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Pousada - Palmela
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P ousada, in Portuguese, is a place of rest and welcome. The Pousadas of Portugal offer the traveler magnificent destinations from which the country can be discovered. They allow you a glimpse into history, art, fine cusine and traditional Portuguese life.Each Pousada preserves its own characteristics, bound together by some common specialties, such as, their excellent locations, a friendly atmosphere and the high quality cusine. The reason for choosing a particular Pousada depends solely on whether you are looking for a relaxing holiday surrounded by a peaceful countryside, or eager to visit historic or cultural sites. Not surprisingly many are located near UNESCO World Heritage sites (these are historical sites chosen to be preserved by the UN). Now you can stay in these special places and enjoy the heritage and history of the country. Because the Pousadas are so popular, you should make reservations in advance of your trip. We can tailor make your itinerary according to your timeframe and preferences. Driving is best to make the most of your trip. These tours are ideal for adventurers, the romantics, the lovers of art, history and the real people..... but above all for everyone of all ages. So call us or E-mail us today and let us start planning your wonderful holiday. Contact us Today.
There are two categories of Pousadas:
Note: The daily rates range from lowest R to the highest CH. The prices also vary with the season.
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HISTORY, FOREST AND THE SEA
Portugal is one of the most ancient nations in Europe which foundation dates back to the year 1143.
The town of Guimarães is considered the crib of the Portuguese nation.
At the entry of the old castle there is a statue of the first King of Portugal, D. Afonso Henriques, and it appears as if he is keeping guard of the main gate. The Pousada Santa Marinha da Costa (CH), built in a XVII century former Convent of Augostinhos, is set on an elevation "Costa" dominating a great view of the city.
The National Park of Peneda-Gerês is an environment-protected area covered with abundant forest where unique indigenous plants can be found. The Pousada de São Bento (R), located in the park on a high hill offers a spectacular view over the river Cávado and the Caniçada dam.
The elegant town of Viana do Castelo is built at the mouth of the river Lima. This seaside resort has great examples of Manuelino buildings and a Pousada located on the top of the Monte de Santa Luzia. From the Pousada Monte de Santa Luzia (R), the panorama view over the city is spectacular.
DOURO RIVER SCENERY AND THE WINE COUNTRY POUSADAS
The Douro region produces one of the most acclaimed wines in the world, labeled "Vinho do Porto".
This area of fantastic scenic views, delightful noblemen's mansions "solares" and wine growers estates, some are open to the public for wine tasting, offers three charming Pousadas for your stay.
Situated on the Marão Mountain range, the Pousada de São Gonçalo (R), dominates the Tâmega Valley and is ideal to start your wine tour.
The cozy town of Alijó is home to the Pousada Barão de Forrester (R), named after a British wine merchant. We recommend a visit to the Palace of Mateus in the nearby village of the same name.
Set over the Mesão Frio overlooking the scenic Douro river, the Pousada do Solar da Rede (CH), its main building an 18th century Manor House, surrounded by an enormous vineyard property. At a short distance away at the quay of Régua, you make take a river cruise or just board the train at the train station for spectacular view of the Douro river.
THE
HIGHEST MOUNTAIN, THE MOST PORTUGUESE VILLAGE AND A MEDIEVAL TOWN.
World
Heritage Site
The Star Mountain "Serra da Estrela", is the highest point of Portugal in the main land. At the shepherds town of Manteigas the Pousada de São Lourenço (R), you will be a welcome guest greeted with mountaneer hospitality.
Monsanto is considered "The Most Portuguese Village of Portugal", maintaining its long time traditions.
Steep narrow streets with houses built against massive rocks, marks the long gone Roman presence and are some of the intriguing aspects of the village. The Pousada do Monsanto (R), occupies a typical house in the village style.
An ancient walled town, Marvão, is built on top of a hill. Its foundation started the XIII century and has a vast horizon to Spain on the East. On a clear day you can see as far as the Serra da Estrela. The Pousada de Santa Maria (R), built inside of the castle walls, is a fine adaption from three antique houses. The town is a World Heritage Site.
THE CAPITAL POUSADAS
Lisbon is the charming capital of Portugal. Built on seven hills, one of them occupied by the Castle of São Jorge watching the Tagus River and the city downtown. Visitors will be seduced by the view over the city.
World
Heritage Site
There is so much to see in Lisbon: Museums, national monuments, old quarters full of life, excellent restaurants and fantastic shopping opportunities.
World
Heritage Site
There are no Pousadas in central Lisbon. However, there are three Pousadas within easy commuting distance, the closest Pousada to the capital is the Pousada D Maria I (CH), located across from the National Palace of Queluz about 14 km west of the center of Lisbon.
Other Pousadas serving the capital are the Pousada de Palmela (CH), in the castle of Palmela and in Setúbal, the Pousada de São Filipe (CH), which is built in a fortress that dominates the beautiful estaury of the Sado river.
Both Pousadas are accessible by two bridges over the Tagus River. The newest bridge, Vasco da Gama, (named after the navigator that discovered the maritime way to India) and the "Ponte 25 de Abril".
For guest who rather avoid the heavy Lisbon traffic, a fast commuter train is available departing often, from the center of Lisbon to South of the river crossing over the Bridge 25 de Abril and serving the Pousadas region. A commuter train is also available between Lisbon and Queluz.
ÓBIDOS
RELIC, ROMAN RUINS AND RICH MANUELINO STYLE CONVENT
World
Heritage Site
The village of Óbidos which foundation can be traced to 308 BC by the Celtics, is today a well preserved relic walled town surrounding small houses painted in immaculate white, blue lapis and gold, the royal colors of the past. At the towers of the castle, the Pousada do Castelo (CH), offers guests a unique ambience.
Coimbra is the University City of Portugal and is one of the oldest universities in Europe. A visit must include the baroque style library with its precious Brazilian woods. Conimbriga, not far away, reveals the ruins of what was a luxurious Roman City. The Pousada de Santa Cristina (R) is located in Condeixa-a-Nova which is an elegantly restored palace.
The town of Tomar is home of the Convent of Christ, a World Heritage Site considered with the Belém Tower and Monastery of Jerónimos both in Lisbon, a true representation of the Manuelino architect style. Of particular note is the well detailed window of: "singing stone". Nearby overlooking the impressive dam of Castelo do Bode, the regional Pousada de São Pedro (R).
THE
CITY MUSEUM AND ALENTEJO PRAIRIE
World
Heritage Site
Cork and olive trees, cereal plantations, swine herds and flocks of sheep are part of the scenery on the Alentejo prairies. This land of hot breezes requires slow movement especially during the summer.
Arraioios is a town known for its very old tapestries that are hand made to perfection by the cross stitch method. The Pousasa Nossa Senhora da Assunção (CH), located on a green valley and restored from a XVI century monastery, displays in its chapel some great examples of this centennial art.
The marble of Estremoz is admired for its unique white color and rivals Carrara Italian marble. This typical "vila alentejana" is rich in popular art from ceramic objects to wooden figures. The Pousada Rainha Santa Isabel (CH), installed in a castle, is considered the flagship of the Pousadas for its historical fable, noble proportions and ambiance.
Évora is the City Museum of Portugal, classified by UNESCO a World Heritage Site.
One of the town landmarks, is the Roman Temple Diana, located across from the Pousada dos Loios (CH), built on a very interesting style former convent.
World
Heritage
You may also obtain information from Manor Houses of Portugal by completing the form on any page of their site.
To assist you in planning your trip, please consult our map of Pousada locations that will acquaint you with their location in the country.
Map of the Locations of Pousadas in Portugal
If you are interested in more information on
some of these locations go to my index and I will take you there.
Creation Date: 04 Dec 1995
Last Updated: 14 Jan 2007
Maintained by Thomas J. Sullivan MA
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