Despite the weather that on that day had not been the ideal, I drove Sophie through the Greater Lisbon area. A first stop at Queluz, a small town where we could have visited the Summer Residence of the then Royal Family, but Sophie didn't show interest and we just wandered over there for a short time. Our main destination was the visit to the Cork Convent. After lunch at Sintra, where the clouds didn't stop accompanying us, we drove along ridge roads in the forest that seemed to take us to nowhere but suddenly we saw the signboard we had been waiting for.
The Convent was built in 1560 and it's remarkable for its extreme simplicity. It embodies the ideal of universal brotherhood lived by the Franciscan friars who dwelt there. It's all covered with cork in order to prevent humidity infiltrations in the walls. Visiting its labyrinth of narrow corridors, chapels and child-sized cells cut out of rock, all lined with cork was an interesting experience. Despite its charming part, the shockingly tiny dimensions made me wonder how it was possible for anyone to live in it...
We still had time to drive up to the Roca Cape, the westernmost point of Continental Europe, where we were gifted with a gorgeous sunset. Sophie got a certificate which states she had been there...
Would you like to follow us?
~~ HAVE A NICE WEEKEND ~~
As always your photos make me feel as though I was there. These are the types of places that make a lasting impression.
ReplyDeleteAnother wonderful trip, so many interesting things to see!!
ReplyDeleteThat was a super day!!!
ReplyDeleteI will never forget the most poetic Sintra, Lord Byron's favorite town!
And it is impossible not to remember your first impression of this Capuchos's Convent "BUT WHERE IS THE CONVENT?" :DDD
I just showed my son this visiting the most West Point certificate, and John said, mommy, the earth is not flat, there is no most west point...:)) anyways, he take a serious look at the certificate.
I would love to follow you, my creaky old computer just plays the music. But it, by itself, is enchanting.
ReplyDeleteI would love to able to travel to see all of the wonders that you see Belita. In the meantime, I will just have to wander with you on your trips. What a delightful place and your photos are fantastic as they tell a story.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a fabulous weekend too.
Thanks for posting a very interesting blog and images;)
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed all of these slide shows, and actually would love to comment on many of the photos! tiny spaces is right! the moss makes for such color contrast in places too.... I also would have enjoyed this whole trip!
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend!
Your country is such a bellissimo place! And having you as a delightful guide is even more bellissimo :)))
ReplyDeleteThank you to share these great shots.
Ah! you posted your trips with Sophie...
ReplyDeleteI will take a look one by one.
I am surprised you two did so much in one day!
ReplyDeleteA pleasant slide-show, I am very sure Sophie enjoyed Sintra very much.
That's my way, Marcel! Always trying to make the most of the time...
DeleteTHANKKKKKK YOUUUUUUUUU
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure, Fatos!
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