Travel Memoirs: Portugal Left Me Mesmerized
Chilling on the castles and cliff sides…
Famous for its port wine, Fado music, delectable cuisine, and stunningly beautiful sceneries, Portugal remains a popular destination for travellers.
I spent nine days there in May, 2024 and continue to feel awe-struck whenever I look through my photo album.
Lisbon
I spent my first few days exploring the capital and even visited the famed Praca do Comercio, Lisbon Cathedral and several “miradouros” (viewpoints).
My favourite site was the “Castelo de Sao Jorge”, an 11th century castle perched atop Lisbon’s highest hill. Once used as a royal palace, the castle now serves as a quintessential symbol of Lisbon’s historic past. As I walked along the castle walls, I imagined myself as a Moors soldier guarding the city from occupation.
I also spent a day exploring the “Belem” district, where I got to visit two of Lisbon’s most historic sites: the Belem Tower and the Jeronimos Monastery.
Once used as a defensive fortress to defend Lisbon from incoming attacks along the Tagus river, the Belem Tower serves as a testament to Portugal’s once powerful military and its status as a colonial superpower. This immense four-story tower consisting of a cannon-filled bastion was breathtaking.
The Jeronimos Monastery was equally as beautiful. It was colossal in size, and exquisite in design consisting of intricate stone carvings on its arches and walls. This architectural jewel took my breath away.
Sintra and Cascais
My first stop in Sintra was the Pena Palace, an 18th century Romanticist castle known for its ornamental battlements, giant gargoyles and its vibrant and brightly painted exterior. The interior was just as exquisite consisting of a royal dining room, a chapel and a noble room. As I explored this palace, I felt a sense of mysticism, as if I was in a fairytale.
After exploring the Moorish Castle, I made my way to the Quinta da Regaleira, a luxurious estate consisting of a palace, chapel, and a park featuring lakes, caves, grottoes and fountains. Within the park was the Initiation Well, a cavernous well that features a spiral staircase descending 88 feet underground. Walking down the well was a creepy but exhilarating experience.
After strolling through the beachside town of Cascais, I took a bus to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe. I stood at the edge of this cliff, admiring the grandeur of the ocean below me. The chilly breeze, along with the tranquil vibe of the surrounding natural beauty, gave me a blissful and harmonious feeling I don’t experience often.
Porto
Walking the streets of Porto was a surreal experience and one that I’ll never forget. The city’s cobblestone streets, centuries old churches and statues, and Baroque style architecture often consisting of Azulejo tile work or dome-like roofs had me feeling like I had stepped into a time machine.
I spent my first day visiting several churches including the Porto Cathedral. Consisting of azulejo wall tiles depicting Jesus, and flanked by two immense castle-like towers, the Porto Cathedral was truly a site to behold. I quickly realized that church hopping was not only about visiting churches; it’s also about experiencing the beauty of Portuguese culture, architecture and spirituality.
I spent the next day strolling through several parks, crossing the 350m high Dom Luis Bridge and watching street performers at the Cais da Ribeira.
Braga and Guimaraes
I took a day trip to Braga to visit the famed Bom Jesus do Monte, an 18th century neoclassical church located atop a steep hill. A popular Christian pilgrimage site, visitors must walk up a 577 step baroque zig-zagging staircase to reach the church. While the views were surreal, what I found most captivating was the beautiful garden, and the many fountains and sculptures depicting characters from the Old Testament.
The following day, I visited Guimaraes, a medieval town north of Porto. The star attraction was the Castle of Guimaraes, an iconic 10th century medieval castle offering a glimpse of the early days of Portuguese nobility. The castle impressed me with its immense size, grandiose architecture and its meticulously maintained grounds. It was perfect.
Words cannot even begin to accurately encapsulate the sheer beauty of what I saw and experienced in Portugal. I returned home after nine days feeling a deep sense of bliss, peace, and astonishment. I was often left mesmerized during my trip, and I can sincerely say that I left a piece of my heart there.
