Travelled:111km
Visited:Saucelle dam, Castelo Rodrigo, Almeida
Stay: Almeida-free parking, services and toilet block GPS N40 43.5744' W6 54.3528'
As we continued inland it reminded us of the Australian bush. The only thing that was missing was the native wildlife. We meandered our way back to the Douro for one last time. We stopped at the Saucelle dam on the border with Spain. There was no lock here so this was the turn around point for the Douro cruise ships coming from Porto.
Our next stop was the once fortified township and ruined castle of Castelo Rodrigo. It played major roles in its defence of the Portuguses territory over hundreds of years. It is also part of the pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostela.
We then made our way to the hexagonal fortress village of Almeida. As we strolled around we noticed women decorating the roads with flowers. It was for the procession for St.Johns day which we watched after our delicious lunch.
Morning from chilli Sydney. Great photos again. What's the story with the parade, they look like firefighters ?
ReplyDeleteGlad you are enjoying the blog Michael. Yes in fact they are firefighters marching in the parade to escourt the dignitaries to the church for the St.John mass. Then once again after the mass, presumably to bless the village.
DeleteThat soup looked delicious! I think you must now be sanctified as you have visited so many churches in your travels. All look lovely too. I never tire of seeing churches or castles either. The architecture is so awesome and also the intricate work of the inside decorations.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jennie for your comments. Indeed the soup was the best so far. We never tire of opening the church door as we can never be sure what the interior is like. You can not judge from the exterior facade.
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