We had a large breakfast at our hotel, Pousada de Santa Marinha, a former monastery founded in 1154, beautifully restored and maintained through the years, and with large scenes of azulejos. We walked around the gardens, full of camelia trees in full bloom! We set off for the day by 9:30 a.m.
We visited Bom Jesus, a hilltop pilgrimage site with a double staircase of 1000 steps built in the 18th century. Bom Jesus is surrounded by a large well manicured park, with sculptures,
fountains and more blooming camelias.
We drove to Ponte de Lima, on the Lima River, which is spanned by a Roman bridge with 27 arches. We had lunch at Ponte de Lima and wandered the narrow winding streets of the village.
We drove along the Lima River, on to Viana do Castelo, a small city at the mouth of the Lima River, where it meets the Atlantic Ocean. The Praca da Republica is considered one of Portugal's most handsome squares, with it's Chafariz Fountain. We walked around the city
until the breeze chased us away. It got chilly!
Our last stop of the day was in the historic center of Guimaraes, the city where we are staying for two nights. We parked near the 10th century Castle of Guimaraes, then walked around the Palace dos Duques, built in the 15th century and today the designated home of the President of Portugal. Guimaraes is beautifully layed out around various town squares,
with historic convents and churches, landscaped with blooming flowers.
Back to our hotel by 7:30 p.m. and a yummy dinner. A good day in the north of Portugal!
