THE MOST PHOTOGRAPHED SITES IN PORTUGAL #7 - PRAÇA OITO DE MAIO, COIMBRA

According to the website sightsmap.com, Portugal is one of the most photographed areas of the world.
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An historical location that blends beautifully with the rest of the city of Coimbra. Quite popular back in the days, it was given order, between 1392 and 1414, that this town square was to be enlarged and aligned, so that it could be the location of the Horse Parties, were ancient Portuguese games executed by horse were played. It also was the first public theatre of Coimbra, funded in 1835. And, up until 1838, it used to have a fountain with a statue of Samson in it, that was demolished because it got to a advance stage of degradation. In the same year, a new fountain  was build.

In 1834, the liberal forces of Duke of Terceira entered in Coimbra and marched over the town square. Years later, in 1874, along with the commemorations of the anniversary of that date, the place was officially renamed Praça Oito de Maio.

MARITIME MUSEUM

The Maritime Museum is located in one wing of the Jeronimos Monastery, in the chapel built by Henry the Navigator, where sailors came to pray before leaving for their trips overseas. Inside you can find all kinds of maps, documents and artifacts relating to the 'Age of Discovery', which will help you clarify any questions that may arise during the visit.

A separate building houses ornate royal barges, 19th-century fire-fighting machines and several seaplanes.

SÃO BENTO PALACE

The original building of São Bento Palace was erected as a convent in 1598, but was later renovated as an enormous white Neoclassical building to become today's Portuguese Parliament, the Assembleia da República.

Tall columns support the pediment, and four statues on pedestals at the entrance represent Prudence, Strength, Justice, and Temperance.

The interior is grandiose, with marble pillars, Neoclassical statues, and other works of art. You may look inside when parliament is in session and debates are open to the public.

GUIMARÃES

Famous for the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança, Guimarães has one of the most acclaimed architectural heritage, ranging from the Middle Ages to the nineteenth century. An historic town, exceptionally well-preserved and an authentic example of the evolution of a medieval settlement into a modern town. 

 

Watching the sunset at one of its numerous squares is itself a spectacle, a curtain of stone surrounded by the sounds of nature.

PRAZERES CEMETERY

After the city of Lisbon was hit by an outbreak of cholera in 1833, causing thousands of deaths,  it was urgent to create a large cemetery for both rich and poorer victims. It has the weird name of  Cemetery of ‘Pleasures’, called after the nearby neighborhood (Prazeres) with the same name. Many of its tombs are big mausoleums, some with the size of small chapels.

This remarkable cemetery is really an interesting place to visit. Famous Portuguese personalities are buried here, mainly actors, singers, writers, painters and television presenters. The mortal remains of Amália Rodrigues, the famous fado artist, were transferred to the National Pantheon in Lisbon (under enormous pressure from her admirers and a change in the law requiring a minimum of four years before repatriation).

PALACE OF THE MARQUESSES OF FRONTEIRA

The Fronteira Palace, also known as the Palace of the Marquesses of Fronteira, is the privately owned property, but parts of it are opened to visits, and only on a tight schedule. 

The palace was built in 1640 for the first Marquis of Fronteira, Dom Joao de Mascarenhas (bestowed with the title of Marquis of Fronteira for his allegiance to King Pedro II of Portugal), in order to serve as hunting pavilion. At present, the oldest part of the castle complex refers to a 16th century chapel, but inside the castle, visitors can admire the stunning Battle Room (which stands out by the splendid tile panels due to which the room has been dubbed the Sistine Chapel of Tile Panels), as well as the Dining Room (with highlights like the paintings signed by Domingos Antonio de Sequeira). Outside the castle, visitors can search out the carefully arranged garden, which fills a surface of some 5.5 hectares, offering the spectacular scenery of the ingeniously cut hedges, tile panels and a statuary where sculptural works rendering the Kings of Portugal (chiefly, busts) are displayed.

SÃO BENTO RAILWAY STATION

The vestibule of the São Bento Railway Station, at Oporto, has 20 thousand blue and white tiles (azulejos), one of Portugal’s greatest treasures. Made by Jorge Colaço, this tiles cover the walls of the city’s train station and portray historical moments, such as the entrance in Oporto by the king John I with his wife Philippa of Lancaster, or the conquest of Ceuta. A colorful frieze was also added to these walls, dedicated to the history of the transports in Portugal. The station’s name derived from a Benedictine monastery built on this place in the 16^th century named São Bento de Ave Maria.

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PALÁCIO DA BOLSA, OPORTO

The Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace) is a monument in Oporto, built in the 19^th century by the city’s Commercial Association in a neoclassical style with Palladian influences. It is located in the historical center of the city, which was declared World Heritage Site by the UNESCO.

St Francis Church

The palace is beside the St. Francis Church, which was part of the St. Francis Convent, from the 13^th century. But due to a fire in 1832, during the Portuguese Civil War, the cloisters of the convent were destroyed and the church was the only part of the complex that remained. In 1841, Queen Mary II, winner of the Civil War, donated the convent ruins to the merchants of the city, who used them to build the Commercial Association. By 1850 the palace was already finished, but the interior decoration was only completed in 1910.

The most well-known room of the palace is the Arab Room, built between 1862 and 1886, decorated in an exotic Moorish Revival style and used as a reception hall for heads of state visiting the city of Oporto.

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Testemunial: "António Ottani, Journey to Portugal and Paris, January 2013"

"All the trip planning was excellent, which made it pleasant. It was all very well prepared and divided, which made us enjoy traveling from city to city. The New Year's Eve, that we spent at the Hard Rock Café was excellent!
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A taste for great living

In Portugal, we know we have the best qualities in the world: peace of mind and an epicurist attitude towards life. Where else can you travel safely and enjoy so many earthly pleasures? Exactly - Portugal has the best food, marvelous landscapes and authentic traditions, without social convulsions, ephidemcs, inflation or touristic crowds. Too good, but still true! Though Portuguese remain as generous as ever, gastronomy and lifestyle have improved dramatically. You will now find tradition embedded in haute-cuisine and old dark taverns converted to luminous esplanades. The art scene has been exploding and nightlife is trendier than ever. Come and get this affordable luxury experience while it´s still a secret for a few. Follow us on Facebook! TO BOOK YOUR HOLIDAYS, CALL +351 21 757 86 70, WRITE AN EMAIL TO traveltailors@travel-tailors.com OR FILL IN THIS FORM.

Best Restaurants South TravelTailors THE BEST RESTAURANTS OF THE SOUTH From Lisbon to the Alentejo, here´s an example of our suggestions: located on the ground floor of an ancient palace, the restaurant has the gastronomical signature of a chef known for his wisdom when it comes to aromatic herbs. The menu has an Alentejo cuisine as its starting point and develops its creative inspiration through Mediterranean flavors. The beautiful dining room with vaulted ceilings is elegantly decorated. Spacious tables, beautiful linens, proper glassware and culinary excellence inspire refinement. Also the finest landscapes, towns, vineyards and palaces are spread all over the itinerary for your delight. Start indulging...

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We are the first travel agency in Portugal specializing in tailor-made holidays and we guarantee unique experiences, with dates and times that are convenient for you. Our exclusive programs aim at inviting you to taste the best Portuguese cuisine, discover the most romantic and secret places of Portugal and immerse into traditional festivities, a rich ethno-cultural heritage undiscovered by most tourists.

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TO BOOK YOUR HOLIDAYS, CALL +351 21 757 86 70, WRITE AN EMAIL TO traveltailors@travel-tailors.com OR FILL IN THIS FORM.

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With this romantic program by TravelTailors you will discover the most romantic and secret places of Portugal, in the South and Madeira Island: hotels, palaces, gardens and beaches. It offers you intimate hotels and fine dining, and also suggests other activities ideal for two, like cooking classes, SPA and walks;perfect for an exquisite honeymoon!

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TESTIMONIAL: JOURNEY TO PORTUGAL

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Price: 15€ / Duration: 60 min
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