The trip
In times now holiday and long bridges, VaP. recommended two hotels accessible and full of history in neighboring Lusitania. Crossing over is to discover a common past and a past full of friction so fascinating that thing anywhere in the world that is the border.
The defensive mark between Spain and Portugal has left both sides of the border a row of fortresses behind which to explore beautiful medieval villages, standing stones to withstand attacks of steel and traces of history. Travel to the past intersects the neighboring country to offer a route, between two properties, in which combines history and comfort.
The route begins in the region of Alentejo. Pegada a Badajoz, a 40 kilometers from the border to Lisboa (dual carriageway), is the town of Borba. There the traveler stays in the cottage Terreiro do Poco. A lovely stay, nestled among the people, from which you can hear the distinctive sound of silence with her small pool. Near there, just five kilometers, is Villa Viçosa. A small town that is linked to the House of Braganza. A Duchy of enrome importance in Portugal who got in 1640 the throne. In this town you can see the majesty of the Palazzo Ducale, the castle and convent Two Capuchin.
But Villa Viçosa not the only surprise that awaits the traveler. Nearby is also the town of Estremoz. Built on a hill, the car has to meander until you cross the old medieval walls. The thirteenth-century castle, the chapel of Queen St., or the Convent and Church of San Francisco are places marked by the imprint of the past. Thence, on top, referred to part of the region. A perfect place to go for dinner and walk around at night by their empty streets.
The house is simply spectacular and, thereon, hangs a unique castle, that merges with the secluded stay
But the route we offer this time, of a weekend, requires the traveler to go to your next destination, 300 miles north. Take the IP-2 and then IP-5 and N-102. Although it is a short trip, is practically highway and does not last more than three hours. We arrive at Casas do Coro, in Marialva (Meda Council), a famous Portuguese house which meets the essence of this page. The house is simply spectacular and, thereon, hangs a unique castle, that merges with the secluded stay. The accommodation consists of eight separate houses, each with a different decor and various rooms. What about this place? It is singular, built on top of a small town, in the middle of the mountain, with views of the mountains where you look. The pool is surrounded by beds perched on a wooden platform; el jacuzzi, intimate, overlooks the sliding doors open environment; rooms have, each, su particular sello; dinner conversation between candles is long. All this is the perfect, but the traveler can not help but feel curious to penetrate the walls of the old fortress, seems, acts as lookout.
After agreeing to a visit with the responsible tourism through the door Marialva and defensive, the traveler understands the reason Marialva is one of ten historic towns of Portugal. The fort was conquered by King Fernando Magno de León to Muslims (1063); was the home of pilgrims who flocked to his appointment with the Apostle James; Templars settled there (there is any sign of your stay); always looked askance at the Spanish enemy (is close to Ciudad Rodrigo). Today, are becoming major restoration work there. As a curiosity, Portuguese all recent presidents have gone through these walls and stone have made some testimony of his visit. I recommend to take a peaceful walk through the crumbling walls, contemplate his tower of homage and hear the stories that transmits guide on the site.
About, have to make a hole to also visit the village of Trancoso. Besides its beautiful medieval appearance, offers the pleasure of trying the "sardinhas twelve". Solve the riddle of the taste testing them.
The road
By car, cross the border at Badajoz to Lisboa. A 40 km is the diversion of Borba. Then, to go Marialva, Take the IP-2 and then IP-5 and the N-102. Its 300 km of mostly highway (three hours). The town is close to the Spanish border stuck to Ciudad Rodrigo. The route, for those coming from the north, can be done in reverse sentidfo.
A nap
The two houses mentioned in the article are excellent.
A table set
-Area Benta ". (Trancoso) Street of the Knights No. 30 A. Within the historic center of Trancoso this restaurant is unconventional. The specialty is cod, a special recipe for your sophisticated taste in dining. The Michelin Guide Recommended Prestigue quality and service credited.
-"Like the old days" (Borba). In the Rua São Bartolomeu 1 this restaurant is traditional. Gotta try the powder to Lagareiro (Pulp to style Lagareiro) y el Roasted Lamb in the Oven (Roast lamb), accompanied by red earth. It is an unpretentious pub but good food.
-"The Chain Quinhentista" (Estremoz). Inside the castle, at Rua Rainha Sta Isabel is this small, modern restaurant built in XVI century prison. Cooking traditional food from Alentejo, highlighting regional products, herbs, cheese and wine.
Highly Recommended
Wear fado cd. Portugal has the charm of the old, quiet and listen to a fado in the car is to look at the landscape with ears.
