On a slightly grey, overcast day we all pile into the cars for a day trip from Loctudy to Camaret. On route we stop at a traditional stone church. Here we can see some of the archetypal religious architecture that is prevalent in Brittany. There are several regional features that mark out the Breton countryContinue reading “Old churches and ancient stones”
Tag Archives: architecture
Brittany baby!
Despite having gathered quite a bit of the world under my belt, I have been woefully lax in exploring one of the closest places to my home country – France! I’ve only ever been to the South of France and that was many years ago, a whirlwind tour of Nice, Cannes, Antibes and Monaco andContinue reading “Brittany baby!”
Mafra Palace
On-route back to Cascais we take a flying visit to the Palace of Mafra, a monumental Baroque and Italianized Neoclassical palace-monastery. *Wikipedia alert* The imposing façade, built of local limestone, is 220 m long and faces the town of Mafra. At each end of the façade stands a square tower with a bulbous dome, suchContinue reading “Mafra Palace”
A sliver of Sintra
After exploring the quirky joys of Quinta De Regaleria we had a quick trot around the town of Sintra itself. This picturesque town is set in the pine covered hills of the Serra de Sintra. The slightly cooler climate enticed the nobility and elite of Portugal, who constructed exquisite palaces, extravagant residences and decorative gardens. SintraContinue reading “A sliver of Sintra”
A Quirky Quinta
Trying to top the incredible Pena Palace is pretty much impossible but there are other inspiring, quirky and fascinating places to see in Sintra. Quinta da Regaleria is just one of them. Another whimsical slice of Portuguese real estate! Quinta da Regaleira is an estate located near the historic center of Sintra, Portugal. It isContinue reading “A Quirky Quinta”
Bird’s eye views
Here’s the final batch of Pena Palace photographs. I couldn’t get enough of this magical place. Even though we had a panicked hour when we managed to lose my mother! Lesson learnt – never allow a 65 year old out of your sight, not for a second! For a pensioner she can be remarkably swiftContinue reading “Bird’s eye views”
Fairytale Sintra
Finally we arrive at the town that inspired the entire trip – Sintra! Sintra is known for its many 19th-century Romantic architectural monuments. One of the most eyecatching is the Pena Palace, perched high above the town it is a Disneyesque riot of colour and architectural quirks. We visited on a perfect sunny day, the blueContinue reading “Fairytale Sintra”
Bit of Belem
We hopped on tram 15 to head out from Lisbon centre to Belem for the day. Belem’s name comes from the Portuguese word for Bethlehem. Many of Portugal’s distinctive buildings and beautiful landmarks can be found in Belem including the Jerónimos Monastery (above and below) and the Tower of Belém Jerónimos Monastery – located in Empire Square- was originally built toContinue reading “Bit of Belem”
Lisbon colours and corners
Lisbon is alive with colour, blink and you miss it details and delights around every corner. It’s also famous for its cute little trams that whizz up and down the steep cobbled streets. Two not to miss are number 28 that takes you winding through the old Alfama district and over blood curdling hills. TheContinue reading “Lisbon colours and corners”
Final glimpses
It’s time to bid a final adieu to Sicily with a final batch of photos from the trip. We make a return visit to the Fountain of Shame in the sunlight for a better look at all the rudey nudeys! The details are all the more impressive under the glaring Sicilian sunshine. The weird aquatic fantasyContinue reading “Final glimpses”