Central Portugal

A closer look at the imitation Manueline style facade of the Palacio do Bucaco

Spelt either Bussaco or more commonly Buçaco the palace here is not what it seems. Firstly it is only Manueline in style, it was completed in 1907, long after the rein of King Manuel.
Secondly, the palace is now a hotel. Only 3 years after its completeion the monarchy was overthrown and Portugal became a republic.

The Palace of Bucaco (or Bussaco). The palace is now an upmarket hotel but was built as a retreat for the Portuguese monarchy. Completed in 1907, the palace only had 3 years of use before the monarchy were overthrown and the country became a republic

Side view of the Bucaco Palace with its ornate Manueline styling. You can make out the armillary sphere at the top of the tower - a navigational aid used by the early Portuguese mariners and symbol on the flag of Portugal

The Carmelite Convent in Bucaco.
Bussaco has a long history of religious settlement with Benedictine monks arriving in the 6th century. In the 17th century it was taken over by Carmelite monks who built a monastery and erected a wall around the surrounding forest

Tree trunks on a foggy day in Busaco national park

A foggy day in Bussaco (Buçaco) National Park. One of allegedly over 700 types of tree in the park

A closer look at the intricate Manueline design and azulejos of the Palacio do Buçaco

A closer look at the stunning Manueline architecture of the Palace of Busaco. Completed in 1907 the palace was intended as a retreat for the Portuguese monarchy

The entrance to what is left of the Convento dos Carmelitas in Bucaco. The old convent site was used to build the Palacio do Bucaco on