Lisbon and around

This was taken a good few years back. At this time Sintra was almost an undiscovered gem. Half the fantastical buildings dotted around the town seemed to be in some state of disrepair. Besides the fact some were falling down, this faded-grandeur added a certain amount of charm and mystery to the place.

I never really understood how all this prime, and often beautiful, real estate was so neglected. 

Anyway, fast forward fifteen or so years and things have changed. This building has now been completely renovated and is pristine. Still not sure what it is / was.

The view from Largo Dr. Gregório de Almeida towards the salmon pink of the Casa dos Penedos on the hillside. You also get a glimpse of the Palácio Valenças in the mid-ground - a former royal palace dating back to the 15th century.

The street here was named in 1920 after Gregório de Almeida, the"Father of the Poor" - a much respected local doctor and benefactor.

Os Perseguidos. The name translates to "The Persecuted" and this lifesize bronze sculpture was created by Pedro Augusto Franco dos Anjos Teixeira in 1969. 

The statue is located next to the Anjos Teixeira Museum in Sintra with the Palacio Nacional in the background. It represents the struggle for freedom, assumedly against the dictatorship which Portugal endured until the 1970s.

There is actually an identical statue in Almada - across the river from Lisbon - which is actually the original. This one was cast from the working model.

The winding, tree-lined approach to Sintra's old centre via Rua Bernardim Ribeiro. There aren't many houses along this stretch that don't have any architectural flourishes and this villa with its turret is no exception.

Another lovely, quirky corner of Sintra. This one features a particularly nice blue house and cobbled stairway.

Not sure what the exact architectural style is here, but as it's Sintra anything seems to go as long as there is a dash of "fairy tale".

Rua Padarias is in the heart of Sintra's old town. Lined artisanal stores offering handcrafted goods, including ceramics and textiles, it is best known for Casa Piriquita, a family-owned bakery since 1862.

The Torre do Relógio, or Clock Tower, is located just across the way from the National Palace in Sintra. It dates back to the 16th century when it was part of the palace complex. Originally just a bell tower, the clocks were added in the 19th century.

Standing at almost 30 metres tall, the tower offers views over Sintra and it is possible to climb the spiral staircase the top.

Terreiro da Rainha Dona Amélia is the square which lies at the heart of the old part of Sintra. To one side is the National Palace and , in the direction we're looking, the Cafe Paris and clock tower. Beyond this is the Serra de Sintra (Sintra Hill) where you will find the Pena Palace and Moorish Castle, high above the town.

Looking up a cobbled street in Ericeira. Not sure which this one is, except it's the one with cobbles and lined with blue and white painted cottages - so, pretty much every street in the old part of this fishing village!

Looking northwards from the hill that rises high above Sintra. I think this was probably taken from the ramparts of the Moorish Castle.

In the foreground is the National Palace, with its distinctive chimneys. You can also make out the tower of the town hall to the right.