Portugal - Bulwarked Fortifications of the "Raia" (Border)

Border Garrison Town of Elvas and its fortifications Castle’s Keep

Stronghold of Almeida Liberty Square

Fortress of Marvão Pelourinho Square

Fortress of Valença Republic Square

Extending from the mouth of river Minho in the North, to the mouth of river Guadiana in the south, a part of the current Portuguese/Spanish border dates to the ancient County of Portugal. From the Treaty of Zamora (1143), which marks the birth of Portugal, to the episode of the “Reconquista” that culminated in the Treaty of Badajoz (1267), which attributed the Algarve to Portugal, and the Treaty of Alcanizes (1297), a separation line was established that was rarely reviewed throughout more than 700 years.


Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Fortaleza-Valenca of Portugal. Thannks to Oscar of Portugal.

Portugal - Levadas of Madeira Island

"The Property “Levadas of Madeira Island are an hydraulic engineering work known internationally as ‘Levadas da Madeira’. The Property and its limits were defined according to the design and the permanent characteristics of this water transportation system of about 800 km of public and private waterways or aqueducts. The Levadas (from the Portuguese verb “levar” – to carry) are a system of channels or aqueducts of many kilometres in length, mostly bordering mountains but also going through them, with several stretches over rugged rocks, to bring water from different sources to its intermediate or final uses."

Source: UNESCO World Heritage Sote Tentalist List

Nice postcard - thanks to Marta of Portugal.

Portugal - Vila Viçosa, Renaissance ducal town

"The property includes: The historic town centre of Vila Viçosa; The hunting reserve known as Tapada Real (which extends into the municipalities of Vila Viçosa, Borba and Elvas). A buffer zone has also been drawn up, including rural areas and recent urban areas, in order to protect the property. Vila Viçosa is inseparably connected to the House of Braganza, the royal and noble Portuguese dynasty founded in 1442. The town was associated with the power built up by Dom Afonso (1377-1461), the 1st Duke, who was succeeded by Dom Fernando, and it became part of one of the two most powerful houses in the Portuguese kingdom. A frontier land, its strategic position would justify Dom Fernando being created Marquis of Vila Viçosa in 1455. Dom Fernando was to become responsible for protecting Portugal against any raids from Castile and became Duke of Braganza, Marquis of Vila Viçosa and Count of Arraiolos. Favouring the town with his presence, Dom Fernando (1403-1478), the 2nd Duke of Braganza, chose the town to begin to build the seat of the great House he had inherited. This explains why Vila Viçosa then developed a Court that revolved around this great dynastic House. When he died there, Dom Fernando had sown the seeds for the development of Vila Viçosa as the seat of a ducal court of the House of Braganza."

Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Vila Vicosa, Portugal.Thanks to Tiago of Portugal.

Portugal - Historical Lisbon, Global City

"Lisbon has witnessed the meeting and exchange of cultures that took place in the city throughout the centuries, from the diverse peoples who settled there since the 7th century B.C. and left their cultural mark, to the globalisation generated by the Portuguese discoveries, when the city became a precursor to the maritime exploration of the 15th and 16th centuries, transforming it into the largest port in the European Atlantic and inspiring the construction of new cities all across the world. As a consequence of the extensive dialogue of civilisations that Lisbon established with Europe, Africa, America, and the East, which is reflected in the historic city centre, Lisbon stands out due to several features such as the exquisite manner in which it blends the diverse urban layouts and noteworthy buildings that are its hallmark, a testimony to the Roman, Islamic, and European cultures that shaped it; the unique way in which it has been adapted to a rugged terrain, which extends all the way to the riverfront; the setting for comings and goings during the days of the discoveries; and a mixture of monuments, squares, and port heritage, which are the traces of a former intense maritime and commercial activity. Set between hills punctuated by belvederes with idyllic scenery, the Enlightenment-era urban layout is a standout feature, designed according to the unique Pombalino plan following the devastating 1755 earthquake that destroyed the city centre. As a palimpsest, the city bears the traces of the successive transformations that have adapted it to new dynamics, from the silting of the river to reconstructions following the devastating earthquakes it endured, promoting the reintegration of past values, thus allowing it to create a narrative of its history. This multi-faceted city was the stage for multiple cultural expressions, which have been retained and reinterpreted, conferring it with a unique quality, preserving its cultural identity, and reinforcing its inhabitants' roots. Azulejo (tiles), artistic cobbled streets, and fado (traditional Portuguese music), recently added to the List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, are the ultimate exponents of these cultural expressions. The property includes the following areas of the city: The area surrounded by the Cerca Fernandina defensive wall, which is home to the city's oldest defensive structures, as well as the oldest settlements in Lisbon: Castelo, Sé, Alfama, Baixa, Chiado, and Pena, structures and neighbourhoods (bairros) that exhibit influences from an array of civilisations from the Roman, Islamic, Medieval, and Enlightenment periods. Also included are the adjacent medieval areas of Mouraria, São Vicente, and Santa Clara. The old Jesuit Colleges of Santo Antão-o-Velho and Santo Antão-o-Novo, both 16th-century constructions of significant cultural value, not only as architectural heritage but also as sites of innovative scientific teaching that contributed hugely to the field of navigation. 

The Renaissance-era Bairro Alto neighbourhood, constructed following the population boom fuelled by the Portuguese discoveries, extends to the riverfront via the Bica neighbourhood, with its exceptional topography resulting from an earthquake that was embraced by the urban fabric. Also included is the 16th-century Mocambo neighbourhood in Madragoa, by the western approach to the city, which at that time was a suburb, inhabited by fishermen and the African population. Noviciado da Cotovia, a Jesuit college established in the 17th century as a seat of scientific learning, the attached botanical garden, which is home to a vast array of plant species, including ancient and tropical species, and the neighbouring Príncipe Real Square, where the Society of Jesus began constructing a college, destroyed by the earthquake. And the riverfront, between Cais do Sodré and Santa Apolónia, an area of embankments since the Manuelino period. Of the viewpoints, which are privileged spots affording panoramic views over the characteristic features of the urban landscape and river, those of most significant value are included: Santa Catarina, São Pedro de Alcântara, Castelo de São Jorge, Graça, Campo de Santa Clara, Portas do Sol, and Santa Luzia."

Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List


Bairro Alto - Elevador da Bica, Lisboa, Portugal. Thanks to Isidoro of Portugal.

Portugal - Routes of Santiago de Compostela: Routes in Portugal

"The cultural property called Routes of Santiago de Compostela in Portugal stands as the Portuguese contribution to the most famous pilgrimage of Western Europe, benefiting from physical vicinity to Compostela and from the extensive road network of the peninsular Northwest. The impact of the discovery of the Apostle's tomb in Compostela (which occurred in the decade of 20 of the 9th century) preceded the independence of Portugal; the oldest record in national territory dates from probably 862 (less than half a century after the above-mentioned discovery), year in which was consecrated the Church of Santiago, in the village Castelo de Neiva, Viana do Castelo municipality. Throughout the Middle Ages, the Portuguese Routes were sought by domestic and foreign Jacobean pilgrims who left numerous records and reports, and an extensive and original documentary heritage is still kept, mainly referring pious legacies for the construction of public buildings to assist the pilgrims. This is the case of S. Gonçalo de Amarante, renowned builder of the medieval bridge over the river Tamega, whose legend stands alongside with those of Santo Domingo."

Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List




Porto Cathedral is an important starting point of Portuguese road to Santiago de Compostela. Thanks to Danny of Portugal.

Portugal - Desert of the Discalced Carmelites and Built Ensemble of the Palace-Hotel in Bussaco

"Located at Aveiro’s District, Municipality of Mealhada, Civil Parish of Luso, at 40° 33’ N and 8° 28’ (O) “W”at the “northwestern” extreme of Bussaco’s mountain range, the “Desert of the Discalced Carmelites and Built Ensemble of the Palace-Hotel in Bussaco” develops between 250 and 560 meters and exposes up mainly towards north. The enclosed surface has an area of about 105 hectares, “Vale do Sacramento” at north and “Vale do Carregal” at south, bordered in the north by “Costa do Sol” and in the south by “Costa do Sacramento”. Both valleys are separated by a slight peak, adding up at “Fonte Fria” and shaping “Vale dos Fetos”. Geologically speaking it is referred to as “synclinal do Bussaco”. Besides its sharp terrain, this landscape features natural characteristics such as exuberant vegetation and several river courses. Characterized by atmospheric humidity (typical of its micro climate), it has an annual rainfall of c. 1500mm and very frequent and dense fog, especially during Summer and Autumn. The landscape unit (National Forest) is completely walled with several gateways throughout its wide perimeter of 1450m long and 950m wide. Through those gateways, one can reach the luxuriant woodland and at its core one will find the church as part of the Discalced Carmelite’s Convent, as well as a variety of religious buildings and a monumental palace. Bussaco’s cultural landscape is prior to the construction of the only “Desert” built by the Discalced Carmelites Order in Portugal, between 1628 and 1630. Since 6th century, there has been human intervention over nature, made by the Monks of Vacariça Monastery (located 5 km away). We must refer the amazing botanical and scenic heritage of “Mata Nacional do Bussaco”, mainly due to its huge centenary trees. Among them, the Cupressus lusitannica Miller species (aka Cedro do Bussaco), originally from Mexico and Guatemala mountains, has become the ex-libris of the Forest, due to its ancient origin, adaptation ability, high number and oversized examples."
Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List


Mata da Bussaco fundacao - Bussaco National Forest. Thanks to Joao of Portugal.

Portugal - The Southwest Coast

"There are a wide range of habitats along the coastline, including marshes, cliffs, dune systems and lacustrine systems, including five priority habitats. Near the coast there is a coastal plateau, cut into by intermittent Mediterranean watercourses and small permanent streams, with the greatest concentration of temporary humid habitats in the country, several of which are conservation priorities. On the escarped coastline between Sagres and SBo Vicente, in climatic conditions strongly marked by the Atlantic influence, there are a remarkable number of natural habitats, rich in endemic features, some of which are rare worldwide having attracted scientists from all over the world..." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Costa Vicentina in the Southwest coast of Portugal. Thanks to Anna of Portugal.

Portugal - Pombaline Lisbon

"A prime ensemble of historical monuments and an iconic area of the city of Lisbon, and of Portugal itself. The site has been occupied for 2,000 years, and in Roman times became a city called Felicitas Julia Olisipo. It underwent a period of Arab occupation. It was the trading centre of the Portuguese maritime empire from the 15th to 18th centuries, was historically a place where cultures mingled, and was the capital of Portugal. Between 1580 and 1640, when Portugal and Spain formed a single political unit, it served (from 1581 to 1583 and in 1619) as the seat of the Iberian court." 

Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Postcard 1
Beautiful postcard of Lisbon (Lisboa), the capital of Portugal. What beautiful different stamps used here. Thanks so much Luis for sending to me from Portugal.

Postcard 2

Fountain at Rossio Square, Lisboa, Portugal. Thanks to Martha of Portugal. A great addition to my postcard collection of fountains.