The museum was world class! We’ve been to winelands around the world and have never seen such an amazing presentation of wine history or collection of wine-related items ie: corkscrews, vessels, etc Book ahead for a tasting / museum package. The views and property are lovely. Tasting was OK experience. Shop had nice options.

Vivanco Museum is without the doubt the best wine museum in the world! Make sure that you reserve at least two-three hours to visit this spectacular place, as the amount of the items and the size of the exhibition are huge. Their wines from the Vivanco collection, including sparkling wines, are incredible!

I have visited it many years ago, it’s an amazing place: aesthetically pleasing, with various artifacts of art regarded to the wine production.

It is quite expensive (18 euros each) and exhibits do not come with English translation (I know I’m in Spain and i wouldn’t expect a local restaurant to have an English menu for instance. But for a museum targeting tourists, I don’t think it’s unreasonable to expect) and the audio guide is really badly made - doesn’t move from one track to the other, so for every track you have to go back to the main menu. You also have to give them a bunch of information just to access the app and audio guide you are unlikely ever to use again. Otherwise a pretty nice museum and some interesting exhibits. The area around the museum is really scenic as well.

Good place to visit. The guided tour is very nice and the guide very knowledgeable. The cellar is worth it and very well designed. The restaurant food is very nice and the service just fantastic. The wines were not so good to me. But highly recommended visit nonetheless.

This museum is just amazing. It is best presentation of the entire process of assessing the land, preparing the soil, how the plants are cultivated and the history of diseases that impacted the European root stock. They over the process of pruning then the harvest and processing of the grapes. The video presentation are superb. The history of the wine presses is very well done.Then they cover all the steps in storing the wine in barrels and the details of barrel construction. Then there is the making of corks, bottling and shipping. They have the most extensive collection of cork screws. Then you are able to tour the active wine vine garden to see all the varietal grapes growing along side a large vineyard field. This place is a must and the learning experience is outstanding!

Visited without booking. Large free car park and extremely helpful staff who talk you through the proposed tour and wine tasting. Museum is 21 years old but is pristine The displays and exhibitions are first class taking 2-3 hours to take in all the information. The wine tasting provided a selection of two from 18 bottles which were different but most enjoyable. Well worth a stop in the heart of the Rijca 'Alto' region.

It opens at 16:00 in the afternoon in summer, but it takes 40 minutes to wait for a professional tour guide to lead the tour. There is no English in Spanish🥶🤪

Road-trip: La Rioja, Monasterio de San Millán de Yuso - this unesco world heritage site is located in a quiet part of La Rioja, passing lovely scenery when driving from the northern part of the region. Known as the origin of Spanish (castellano) literature, this monastery is a massive structure that you can tour; advanced reservations are recommended. Can also combine with a visit the the fellow monastery located uphill, Suso. Note: limited availability and restricted access to Suso, plan in advance and try to coordinate visits to the two monasteries.

The guide was in Spanish but we knew that so that was fine. However, the tour took way too long so we decided to do it at our own pace, then after finishing the guy didn't let us out since our group wasn't yet done ... Who cares if we leave a bit earlier than our group.

Wonderful tour of the Monastery and amazing history at the birthplace of Castillan Spanish language.

Magnificent from the outside and divine within. This is perhaps one of the most important places in the region, not only in its grace, beauty and art but for its importance in the history of the Spanish (castellano) language. It is simply breathtaking.

Lovely historic monastery where Spanish Castilian language has its earliest roots. Calm and beautiful town in the middle of La Rioja, wine country of Spain.

Well worth a visit. Lovely setting and beautiful architecture. Yuso you access by car, Suso (the older one) is a 20 minute walk from Yuso (not accessible by car).

Amazing view, the hike is not demanding and so beautiful

Beautiful hike. Well marked and steep climb

(Translated by Google) Spectacular!! A must visit if you come to Soria in winter and if it is snowy more. A lagoon with some impressive photos. You can go around it and climb the rutilla to the waterfalls. (Original) Espectacular!! Visita obligada si vienes a Soria en invierno y si está nevado más. Una laguna con unas fotos impresionantes. Puedes bordearla y subir por la rutilla hasta las cascadas.

(Translated by Google) We went on a holiday and had to pay 2 euros for parking. From there you can go up to the lagoon along a 1.8 km paved road or take a bus that costs 1.8 euros that goes up every half hour. The walk, if done calmly, can be half an hour. I suppose that on a day that is not a holiday you can go up to the top with the car (Original) Fuimos un día festivo y había que pagar 2 euros de parking. Desde ahí puedes subir a la laguna por una carretera asfaltada de 1.8 km o coger un autobus que cuesta 1.8 euros que sube cada media hora. El paseo si se hace tranquilo puede ser media hora. Supongo que en un día que no sea festivo se podrá subir hasta arriba con el coche

It's a bit of a drive up to the huge parking area in the forest. You can drive up to the top car park if it's not too busy. Then it's a short walk to the Laguna. There's a walkway round one side. There are trails to climb further up the mountain but the ground looked uneven so proper walking/hiking boots would be advisable. It's a very pretty area.

(Translated by Google) Family visit to the Black Lagoon. Access from the parking lot costs 4 euros. You can take the walk along the river or take the road uphill. There's also a shuttle service to reach the lagoon. A beautiful setting well worth visiting. You can then take another walk to see the lagoon from above, but it's a high-mountain trail, and if you continue along the trail, you can reach the Frozen Lagoon and Urbión Peak. (Original) Visita en familia a la l Laguna Negra, acceso desde el aparcamiento con un coste de 4 euros. Puedes dar el paseo siguiendo el curso del río o bien subir por la carretera, también hay un servicio de transporte para llegar a la laguna. Un entorno precioso que merece la pena visitar. Luego se puede hacer otro paseo, para ver la laguna desde arriba, pero es un sendero de alta montaña, y si prosigues el sendero puedes llegar a la Laguna Helada y el pico de Urbión.

(Translated by Google) Spectacular glacial lagoon located in the Urbión Mountains. It is located at an altitude of 1,753 meters. It is easily accessible by walking along the road from the parking lot, but I recommend taking the Laguna Negra Trail to get here. From Pico de Urbión, you can also get incredible panoramic views of the lagoon. A legend says that this lagoon is bottomless, but its maximum depth is about 8 meters. (Original) Espectacular laguna glaciar ubicada en la Sierra de Urbión. Se encuentra a 1.753 metros de altitud. De muy fácil acceso caminando por carretera desde el aparcamiento, pero te recomiendo tomar la Senda de la Laguna Negra para llegar hasta aquí. Desde el Pico de Urbión también puedes obtener unas increíbles panorámicas de la laguna. Un leyenda cuenta que está laguna no tiene fondo, pero realmente cuenta con unos 8 metros de profundidad máxima.

Magnificent! Griffon Vultures, Blue Rock Thrush, Firecrest, Rock Sparrow, Crag Martin. Walk around lower canyon also fabulous. Great views of Egyptian Vulture. Visitor Centre very helpful.

A very nice Canyon with some small hiking, you need to pay $4 euros to get in and another one Euro for visiting the church. If there are some restaurants or Cafe inside it will be better.

A stunning national park nestled in a valley. Home to soaring condors, dramatic cliffs, unique rock formations, and a fascinating cave, it’s really pretty. In the middle is a beautiful church. Tons of great hiking opportunities and breathtaking views -- definitely worth a stop!

A really nice walk along this beautiful gorge/valley with rugged out crops lined by pine forest. We were totally alone and enjoyed the easy flat walking along the trail that hugs the river with a liberal sprinkling of dragonflies. Our start point was the motorhome aire at Hontoria del Pinar which we also highly recommended. We will be back!

Beautiful ride through twisty mountain roads

What a lovely place. Cost 4 euros for parking but other then that it's free. Walk as little or as much as you like

A great place to explore and some fascinating rock formations

Another beautiful nook in central Spain. Worth a few euros to explore the cave. Grab a beer at one of the pubs and relax!

Really beautiful, well worth going out of your way to visit

A village built on the falls. amazing beauty. We didn't go all the way up the stairs, but the whole waterfall and pool area is excellent. There is plenty of parking. It is forbidden to enter the pools

Lovely village with outstanding views and waterfalls

So beautiful, definitely worth the detour to get here. Village was super quaint with a couple of restaurants. The water fall and pools were gorgeous! Stayed for maybe an hour.

Incredible natural beauty. Large rock formations form a pair of camels kissing and the map of Africa between the. There is also a natural pristine waterfall.

Very picturesque beautiful town. Worth the detour to visit. We came in January and it was very quiet.

I didn't even knew about the monastery and the gregorian chants of the monks. Learned that by chance. Still a nice experience withnessing that on my way to Sad Hill Cemetery.

Small monastery with a rich history. Guided visit by a monk.

A long way from anywhere, this great Benedictine pile towers over the village around it. The Gregorian chant is past its Grammy-winning glory days, but evening Vespers still attracts a good crowd in summertime. A highlight of the cloister visit is the renaissance-era pharmacy, complete with a huge copper still, stone mortar and pestle, and dozens of jars, vials, and pots for herbs and potions...straight out of Harry Potter!

Don't miss the hymns of the monks at 8pm in the summer and 7pm in the winter. Amen!😍👍🙏

Very very nice and interesting, beautiful, you breathe history.

Great monastery. Do attend the Gregorian chanted masses when visiting, check the timetables.

Beautiful and surreal town with fantastic views and restaurants

Simply spectacular. Most of the exhibits (apart from the very top floor) are bilingual (Spanish & English) whilst some of them are interactive. The original fossils are simply stunning. We highly recommend that you take the trip to the archeological site too & see some if the demonstrations. It was a first class day...

A very interesting and educational museum for all ages. One can learn a lot about the history of human civilization. Some exhibits are digital and interactive, which makes the experience even more engaging. The staff is very friendly and welcoming. Definitely a must visit if you are in Burgos!

Incredible, elegant and creative display that synthesizes a ton of wild material. English translations of about 90% of the exhibits. Highlight is definitely the French-made models of hominids. Many of the items on display are replicas, but the replica quality is high.

I think at least a full morning or afternoon is needed as there is so much incredible information and displays to take in.

To find this incredible museum in a fairly small city was a revelation. The displays were informative and inspirational, you must visit Burgos to see this museum and all the other wonderful places within its vicinity!

Fascinating and highly informative museum, suitable for most ages from schoolchildren to adults. All exhibits are described in Spanish and English.

Well well well worth a visit if you’re passing through Burgos. Excellently laid out and incredible amounts of exhibitions displaying evolution of mankind with plenty of discoveries from nearby Atapuerca. €4 with credencial. Kudos to the museum!

The Burgos Cathedral is located in the historical centre of the Spanish city of the same name. Construction on the Cathedral began in 1221 and was completed in 1567. It is a comprehensive example of the evolution of Gothic style, with the entire history of Gothic art exhibited in its superb architecture and unique collection of art, including paintings, choir stalls, reredos, tombs, and stained-glass windows. Burgos Cathedral has the distinction of being the only Cathedral in Spain to be designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site independently from the historic center of the city it is located in. The visit of the Cathedral lasts 1 hour approx. It is very large, with many small chapels. It is worth visiting slowly. Entry fee at time of writing / visiting : from 10 Euros Free Entry: Entry to the cathedral is free on Tuesday afternoons between 4:30 pm and 6:30 pm in the summer (and 4:30 pm to 6 pm in the winter). My way on Camino de Santiago Visited April 2025

One of the richest cathedrals I’ve ever seen! The intricate art and sculptures inside are simply amazing. There is a free audio guide that you can access via your phone. It is hard to listen though while also taking in the beauty of each chapel and artwork at the same time. 😅 This is a must-visit in Burgos!

Espectacular cathedral with a fast and efficient check out service tickets. No matter your believes it’s a must visit. The details of all of the walls and structure is impressive. You would like to spend like at least an hour and a half to enjoy all the places inside.

This may be one of the most beautiful churches I have visited. St Peters in Rome may be grander but the Burgos Cathedral has so many beautiful chapels inside it, each distinct. Some of the chapels are humongous, bigger than small churches. Burgos Cathedral is awesome, a must see!

Huge building. We were to late to visit,as we arrived only in the evening. Impressive building and probably worth to visit also inside. Tickets can be purchased during the day at the entrance. The large squares around the Cathedral are pleasant for a drink or to stroll around with an ice cream.

Burgos Cathedral is one of Spain’s most impressive Gothic landmarks and a true architectural marvel. From the moment you approach its elaborate façade and soaring spires, the grandeur is unmistakable. Inside, the cathedral is equally breathtaking, with richly decorated chapels, vaulted ceilings, and intricately carved choir stalls that reflect centuries of craftsmanship and devotion. A particular highlight is the tomb of El Cid and his wife, placed prominently beneath the central dome—an evocative tribute to one of Spain’s legendary historical figures. The Golden Staircase, the elaborate main altarpiece, and the stunning dome above the crossing all add to the cathedral’s majesty. The visit includes access to the Cathedral Museum, which is thoughtfully integrated into several side chapels and rooms. The collection spans medieval to Renaissance periods and includes religious paintings, fine metalwork, textiles, and illuminated manuscripts. Each exhibit is well presented and offers deeper insight into the religious and artistic history of the region. The cloister provides a peaceful contrast to the main cathedral space, and its sculpted tombs add to the sense of history. Overall, Burgos Cathedral is not only a place of worship but a living museum of Gothic art and Spanish heritage. A must-see for any visitor to the city.

A wonderful experience. Well kept for all to enjoy. Pay for entrance when you arrive. There will be busy days/times. We visited fairly early after opening.

We were really looking forward to visiting this winery, but unfortunately, it turned into a disappointing and frustrating experience. From the moment we arrived, things were off. Despite the restaurant being visibly empty (only one table was full), we were told there were no available tables for dining. It was raining, and yet they insisted we sit outside on the terrace just to have a drink. We weren’t allowed to order any proper food—only tapas were available—which we were thankful for, but the whole situation felt dismissive and unwelcoming. Throughout our time there, the service remained cold and impersonal. No one explained anything about the wines, the food, or the winery itself. We felt completely ignored and unwelcome. It’s honestly the worst service we’ve experienced at a winery or restaurant. We left feeling disrespected and very disappointed. With so many beautiful wineries that value their guests, I’d recommend looking elsewhere for a more genuine and hospitable experience.

Did you know there’s an amazing restaurant in here? The castellano menu is my favorite. But we have tried the other one too during our last visit! Besides being one of the best wine manufacturers in the region (and yet not as popular as other bigger more comercial brands) this winery is a must stop if you are interested in getting to know more and learn about Ribera Del Duero wine region. And then there’s the restaurant… I mean, obviously anything you eat that’s accompanied by their excellent wine is going to taste twice as good. But the real thing is that the quality of the food, the selection of their raw materials, their service and knowledgeable staff makes this restaurant a top option when you are in the area. Their menus come with a generous amount of dishes for the value you pay and the quality you get. And there’s always some good discounts at their wine store downstairs after a good meal.

Amazing architectural tour of Norman Foster’s genius design… our tour guide was very friendly and knowledgeable, as for the wine, the Verdejo was the best above the two other reds, but that’s individual preference.

Pleasant vineyard, with good tasting wine and a beautiful building. Staff member Raquel was particularly welcoming to our tasting request and overall friendly.

Chose this specially as they advertise their gastro bar, and everywhere you look it says open all day. Imagine my surprise when the gastro bar was closed, and the restaurant only available if you made a reservation. Nowhere on their website or publicity does it mention this. Staff were utterly disinterested. AVOID.

A modern, elegant and masterly designed (by no other than Norman Foster) winery with quite good wine, food and staff. From the moment one arrives, parks the car (in the shade), walks to the entrance of this magnificent building, one feels each corner has an ultimate purpose. Produce and show wine. I would recommend to try (possibly buy) the prima and summa wines. Depends on how much you want to spend. On the food menu, the carrillera was excellent.

Dear Family Martinez Zabala By vineyards I hope this comment will help other travelers that come from far away and plan to visit this particular winery Bodega Portia. We travelled from CR and made reservations days before our arrival. And email was sent requiring a change in time since we had a group of 12 and have a tight schedule. That email was never responded. Kept calling to anounce our arrival. We certainly were late at our arrival and as I read later in reviews, it doesn't matter if you are 2 minutes late or 1 hour late. Bodegas Portia has a non flexible policy on time arrival. A very rude woman in front desk simply told us the other people in the tour , have already started the tour. We kindly ask if we could join that "group" and only received a plain and very rude NO since they already started. Soon enough we discovered that all of it was a lie since we found 12 cups on a tasting table untouched, assuming there was no other group joining ours. This woman lied plainly to our face. Resuming all we lost our money, and to compensate from Bodegas Portia we got a 7 minute "tour" from a window to see the cellar and a minimum cup of wine on an empty restaurant. Ill share the pictures of how they "compensated" I think Bodegas Portia and staff have no idea or training in how to treat people on tour companies that come from abroad. No courtesy to far away travelers. If you are reading this, I can suggest other wonderful wineries like MATAROMERA that puts a heart into the experience, Marquez de Riscal, Heras de Cordon. I will never recommend Bodegas Portia to anyone. Bodegas Portia lacks of warmth, heart or passion.

The wine museum was genuinely interesting to visit, and the entrance is free, which is a nice bonus. The castle can only be visited with a guided tour, which might be a plus for those who enjoy detailed explanations. Personally, I would have preferred to explore it on my own. The view from the top platform of the castle is beautiful, but inside there isn’t much to see, as none of the original interiors have been preserved.

Nice visit to the castle. Couldn't understand much as the guide was talking really fast. But is is an nice sight to behold and well worth a visit

Beautiful castle, build like a ship with a long and impressive history There are also great views of the area from the top of it Check the opening time, we got there at around 13:30 but it closes at 14:00 so we couldn’t go in so we came back after 16:00 when they opens up again The wine museum is worthwhile a visit if anything for the smelling exercise you can do inside

You can only visit as part of a guided tour in Spanish. So a wasted journey. Anyway, the castle looks better when seen from the town We don't do guided tours unless it's somewhere very very special like the Altamira Caves

Beautiful looking castle structure with great views. I did not go in.

Wonderful views from a castle steeped in Spanish history. Long walk up steep road to access, but plenty of parking if driving at the top. €6.20 ticket for adult guided tour and entry to the wine museum.

The castle itself is wonderful and impressive, however, it turned out to be a wine tour/museum, so the only way to see the inside is on a wine tour. You cannot roam by yourself, which was a disappointment. Still feel the "touch of history" by visiting

The gothic Cathedral Basilica of Saint Antoninus, dedicated to Saint Antonius of Pampers, is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe (130m x 42m high x 50m wide) similar in size to Cathedral of Reims, and Notre Dame de Paris. It is generally known as “the unknown beauty" because it is not as well known as other Spanish cathedrals, though it has works of art of great value, including a fabulous El Greco: the martyrdom of St. Sebastian from 1579. A curiosity are the stork nests on the tower, so you are constantly followed by the characteristic noisy bill-clattering, which appears to be distant machine gun fire.

Very impressive and interesting cathedral! Entry is 6 Euros but it is definitely worth it. Being Spain's 3rd biggest cathedral, it offers countless chapels with richly decorated altairs, several choirs, two big naves, a transept and catacombs. The condition is surprisingly good due to excellent maintenance.

Very nice building It is worth to look at it from different angles We didn't go in, but situated next to the university and yet in a quiet and peaceful area

Despite the ghastly bling bling in the side chapels and altar this is a rather lovely building. The choir is magnificent on the outside and the organ is fantastic. Great stonework throughout. The small gallery of artwork is well worth a visit, some nice works including a rather homoerotic San Sebastian by El Greco which could have been painted this century.

We enjoyed the guided tour at noon. The guide was very competent and spoke in a clear Spanish. Even if you do not speak Spanish most visitors will enjoy the tour.

Look Up! Marvel the magnificent gargoyles! And don’t forget to photograph the photographer and see the Aliens Xenomorphs!!!!

A really unexpected surprise in Palencia. The province being the realm of the Romanesque, I expected its cathedral to be this style, too. Instead, we came across a fantastic Gothic temple which, unfortunately, we could not visit because it was being restored. We at least enjoyed the awesome exterior.

A DEFINITE YES! Why is there no 6-star rating. Oh my goodness, this place is super duper amazing and to top it all, FREE ENTRY on SATURDAYS. Not to be missed, up close with sculptures dating way way way back, and so wonderfully preserved. The workers/volunteers are VERY helpful, knowledgeable and courteous. Top 3 sites in Valladolid, must visit.

There were definitely some interesting pieces - for example, the fully articulated, life-sized man - but for being the national Museum of sculpture, I was quite disappointed. Worth seeing for what it is, but keep your expectations tempered.

In my opinion this is a must see. Very nice staff. English translation available. I wish there were more books available in English but happy with the mini-guide. Thank you

Great museum. All the statues are of a religious nature. The ceilings come from monasteries and abbeys around Valladolid. Beautiful art work. The staff were extremely helpful and informative.

The museum is worth visiting just to see the Colegio de San Gregorio, which is a spectacular building. Otherwise the collection of religious sculptures did not really wake up my interest, but I understand that they are valuable for the local history and culture. Would be great if more information about the building (San Gregorio) and e.g. the decorative ceilings would be provided, but maybe I missed something. I payed 1,5€ for the entrance, since I received a 50% discount for presenting Renfe train ticket. Great value for money. The stuff is very kind.

A very fine collection, these wooden sculptures are very well preserved, we visited them carefully for 2 hours.

Plenty of information in English. Beautiful building. Only has religious iconography though.

Great view at night. Quite a lot restaurants and cafes even for glass of wine.

Parked in the underground car park here and walked up into La plaza mayor. It was a cold, windy day in November. Took a short walk to the riverside park for a very nice walk there. At the weekend on a fine day it would be lovely.

Plaza Mayor is very similar to all the other Plaza Mayor around Spain. The one in Valladolid is a little quieter, but it's surrounded by beautiful buildings.

Beautiful especially at night time, the cafe's at the Plaza are expensive and food is mediocre, avoid them

It was so wonderful that we are coming back to Valladolid next January 2024

Even more beautiful with the Christmas lights! Be prepared for a crowd. ;-)

Beautiful centre square, especially at night, just don't sit and eat at the cafe's, expensive and mediocre

Our visit, through a guided tour in Spanish around a absolutely stunning building should have been 5 stars. But my biggest criticism about the tour/building there was nothing in English, or any other European language. The reason for 3 stars. I do accept it is Spain but I think something in English or other, in the form of leaflet/audio guide could have been provided.

Very interesting if you have an English speaking guide. Guided tours only and they can fill up.

Went to the convent paid our entry fee, waited 20 minutes for the tour to start. When it did she naturally spoke in Spanish but then expected a brief discussion in English only to find that the guide doesn't speak English. Although lovely to see it would be nice to have had an English explanation

Very interesting guided tour. Although it was for the Spanish the guide made time to explain points in English which interested 2 Spanish school aged children who also tried to understand what the guide was saying in English.

Spectacular. Amazing experience 👌🏼 Definitely worth a visit.

A true and unexpected jewel. Simply amazing. And very attentive and professional staff, both in reception and the guide, Nuria, who did a great job.

Good quality tour, interesting interior like chapels, courtyard, church, dormitory etc worth the 6 euros and 1 hour investment

Our first stop was the Castillo La Mota, a fantastic brick built 15th century creation with a deep moat and fully restored. The castle was built on relatively low lying ground so didn't dominate the area but the main tower was tall enough to make up for it. It is well signposted from the town and has a large car park and information office. Entry was free so we did a circuit of the inner walls before going in to the central courtyard. There were flocks of swallows flying around the castle but looked and sounded beautiful but meant that every photo needed extensive editing to remove their blurred images! We couldn't access the keep, other than as part of a tour so we went back to the ticket office to book that. Unfortunately the next tour was the dungeons and gun ports in the walls rather than the keep and the tour of the keep and rooftop wasn't for another hour and a half. This would heave meant we wouldn't get to the next castle in time so we had to skip that, bad planning on my part. I did a walk around the outside of the castle and saw some ruined medieval walls nearby, presumably part of an earlier fortification.

Well worth the visit. Free to walk around the castle. But to see inside have to be on a guided tour. Limited information in English. Would recommend

It's not a ruin. Therefore, there is something to look at without having to use your imagination. There's not much to see on the inside. You probably need a guided tour to get access to more areas. Unfortunately, the tours are only in Spanish, but you can pay for an audio guide to give you more information about the parts you can access.

Super interesting but be aware you need to reserve if you want to visit the 40m tower. The guided tour is absolutely fascinating. We learned a lot and even my kids thought the guide was interesting. Non Spanish speaker note: The tour is only in Spanish so if you don't have a decent level it could be tricky.

This was an ok visit, I was really disappointed when we saw the castle. It isn't as I imagined, the outside is brick, which didn't come over in the photographs when booking. We booked a castle and tower tour, but had a walk around with head phones prior. The castle tour (you can do everything yourself apart from the lower floor of the castle where the prisoners hole is and you can see how the soldiers moved throughout the castle). The tower tour, you see inside one room before going to the tower, which only has 2 rooms. The stairs are very uneven and steep, these feel like the only genuine part of this tour. If you don't do this you're not missing out on a lot. All the tours are in Spanish, there's no information boards so you can't even Google translate any information which is a shame and wouldn't be too difficult to do. The area is very flat so you can see a long way from the roof, but not a lot to see. Like i said it's ok, but I wouldn't go back. It's been completed reformed in the last 100 yrs.

A magnificent castle. The moat is huge, pity it wasn't filled with water 😕.

Although Castillo de Mota has a very significant part in Spain’s history given it was home to Isabel de Castilla and Fernando de Aragon’s kingdom, there’s no mention to them nor to the role this place played during such an important period during the Spanish Empire. The Castle is mostly closed, poorly restored, only allows for external visits, and ignores its historical significance.

¡Mi bella Salamanca! 🥰 What an amazing experience while attending La Universidad de Salamanca over the course of two summers!

The first university in Spain. The story of find a frog on the stone scrupture becomes world famous.

Salamanca University is a treasure trove of history and academia. The ancient lecture halls and ornate architecture transport you to another era. Walking through its historic corridors, I couldn't help but feel a sense of scholarly inspiration. The charming courtyards and vibrant student life added a delightful modern twist to this living piece of history. There is a 5 euro entrance fee gor student (don’t remember for the rest) but I have to say didn’t expect this nonsense payment! Try to find the frog in the facade otherwise you wont succeed in your exams 🤭

This is one of the oldest universities in Europe, and the sandstone facade is insanely detailed. Everyone tries to find the tiny frog hidden in the carvings—it’s a bit of a local legend. If you’re into history or architecture, definitely pop inside too—it’s full of charm and stories.

Students still rub the carved frog on the facade for exam luck, polishing its patina daily. The lecture halls' wooden desks bear ink stains from 16th-century scholars. The library's chains once secured priceless manuscripts. A beautiful historic place.

It's beautiful and very old, yes, but it's not exactly what I think of when I hear tourist attraction. It was a very brief sight to see, at it's exactly what you'd expect a university to be...just old. Not saying it was bad, it's just not something I'd recommended to a friend to spend their time on.

A beautiful university. The third oldest in the world. Tuition for a master’s degree, in English, for international students, one tenth of what it cost in the US (one third compared to State universities).

Wow! And Wow again. The Cathedral was built in 12-14 centuries, and it is not trying to look modern. The feeling of time is everywhere, from the central nave to the cloister and the chapels in the cloister. Highly recommended to everyone who is interested to learn more about history.

Catedral Vieja or Old Cathedral was founded by Bishop Jerome of Perigord (10??-1120), and was built in XII-XV centuries, and it is expressively Late-Romanesque/Early Gothic in style. High altar was created in 1430-1450 and its 58 panels were painted by Italian painters Dello Delli (1403-1470) and his brothers Nicola Delli and Sansone Delli. The population of Salamanca was growing very quickly in the XV century because of its university, and Old Cathedral couldn't admit all believers. That is why King Fernando, the Catholic (1452-1516), who was the Fernando II of Aragon and Fernando V of Castile commissioned construction of new cathedral. It was built between 1513 and 1733 right over the old cathedral. That's why today you can see old cathedral only from the belfry. The project of the cathedral was designed by Spanish architects Anton Egas and Alonso Rodrigues. The first stone of New Cathedral was laid in 1512 by Francisco de Cabrera y Bobadilla (14??-1529) the Bishop of Salamanca. His splendid tomb is in the New Cathedral. Salamanca, Castile and Leon, Kingdom of 🇪🇸 Spain 🇪🇸. December 1, 2014.

This is the older of the churches that make up Salamanca Cathedral. The Old Cathedral dates back to the 12th century when founded by Bishop Jerome Perigord. It was built during the 12th and 13th centuries and is mainly Romanesque in architecture with some Gothic features including the vaulted nave. The Old Cathedral is dedicated to Santa Maria de la Sede (St. Mary of the See). The Old Cathedral can be visited as part of a combined ticket (€10 per adult) that includes entry into the New Cathedral, cloister & historic chapels as well as the Episcopal Palace exhibition rooms just across from the cathedrals at Plaza Juan XXIII. Highlights for us were the frescos in St. Martin's Chapel and the beautiful ancient chapel of St. Barbara. However, most impressive is the apse altarpiece, a cycle of 53 scenes known collectively as the Final Judgement by Italian painter Dello Delli. This is a remarkable cathedral treasure, worth spending some time to enjoy. The cloister area was mainly closed during our visit but we enjoyed the small museum setup with a handful of rooms containing cathedral antiquity and artworks. Then, through the shop and over to the Episcopal Palace to see the exhibition rooms and artworks there. That wraps up your visit to the Salamanca Cathedral complex.

Amazing building. It's great being able to visit the old and new cathedral. Don't forget to visit the tower (ieronimus)

The Old Cathedral of Salamanca (Cathedral Vieja de Salamanca in Spanish) is one of two existing cathedrals in the city of Salamanca, Castile and Leon, Spain. It was founded by Bishop Jerónimo de Perigord. Its construction began in the first third of the 12th century, continuing until the 14th century. Its architecture has Romanesque and Gothic influences. It is dedicated to Santa Maria da Sede. The cathedral has a Latin cross plan and three Romanesque naves, topped by Gothic transitional vaults. The main door, although it has lost part of its original artistic value, still conserves two statues, representing scenes of the Annunciation, one on each side.According to a legend, the San Martín Chapel or Olive Oil Chapel, where the ports of oils that were later used in the lamps of the Cathedral, served as a refuge for Franco, a general of the time. It is also worth mentioning that in the Old Cathedral there was a dome that became known by popular as the Torre do Galo, this mainly due to a weather vane that had in the crown.

beautiful outside but definitely not worth 10€ entry in my opinion

A must visit in Salamanca

Amazing!!!!!!

(Translated by Google) Circular route of about 6km going along a path and returning along a track. It can also be done the other way around or round trip through the same place. There are 3 parking spaces, two paid by the town hall for €5 and a private one that is closer to the start of the route for €3. All with hardly any shade. Several trash cans and free toilets next to the Interpretation Center. (Original) Ruta circular de unos 6km yendo por sendero y volviendo por pista. También se puede hacer al revés o ida y vuelta por el mismo sitio. Hay 3 parking, dos de pago del ayuntamiento 5€ y uno privado que está más próximo al inicio de la ruta 3€. Todos sin apenas sombra. Varias papeleras y baños gratuitos al lado del Centro de Interpretación.

(Translated by Google) I recommend a visit. The trail is a bit tiring, but worth it. The water is crystal clear and refreshing. Beautiful. (Original) Recomendo a visita. Trilha um pouco cansativa mais vale a pena. Água cristalina e refrescante. Lindo.

(Translated by Google) A pleasant, shady 3km walk to the river. If you swim 200m below the bridge, the water isn't as crowded. Crystal-clear water. We did it with children between 2 and 5 years old, and it was a great time! (Original) Agradable paseo sombrío de 3km hasta bañarnos en el río. Si te bañas 200m más abajo del puente de los pilones no hay tanta gente. Agua cristalina. Lo hicimos con niños de entre 2 y 5 años y muy bien!

(Translated by Google) It is a wonder of nature, the route is entertaining, from the interpretation center 2.9 km, with climbs, descents, with shade from the trees, medium-low difficulty, although there are some strong slopes, but it is worth it when you arrive and see this wonder, in the area of ​​​​the bridge you can bathe carefully ⚠️, and in the area of ​​​​the pilons it is great to be able to stop and listen to the sound accompanied by the wonderful view, it has a spout that comes out fresh drinking water to hydrate! 😉👍🏼 (Original) Es una maravilla de la naturaleza, la ruta es entretenida, desde el centro de interpretación 2,9kms, con subidas, bajadas, con sombra de los árboles, dificultad media baja, aunque hay alguna cuesta potente, pero merece la pena cuando llegas y ves está maravilla, en la zona del puente se puede bañar con cuidado⚠️, y en la zona de los pilones es genial poder pararse a escuchar el sonido acompañado de la vista maravillosa, tiene un caño que sale agua potable fresquita para hidratarse!😉👍🏼

(Translated by Google) A beautiful natural setting. A must-see if you're in the Jerte Valley. You can reach the gorge after a low-difficulty hike of approximately 70 minutes. It's worth it. (Original) Paraje natural precioso. Imprescindible visitar si estás en el Valle del Jerte. Accedes a la garganta después de una ruta de senderismo de dificultad baja de aprox 70 min. Merece la pena

(Translated by Google) It's truly wonderful. Hiking the mountain and then bathing in the pools was an incredible experience. (Original) Es una auténtica maravilla. Caminar por la montaña y luego bañarse en los pilones ha sido una experiencia increíble.

€35 a night for an amazing central location, right beside the Cathedral and main plaza with shops and morning markets. Small but undeniably charming rooftop terrace with a view. Pleasant service from the lady who runs things, however, I take one star from the room - the shower worked but the head needs replacing. Would stay again, highly recommend.

Very nice hostel in a historic building, in the old part of the city. The room was lovely and clean, en-suite with two single beds. Beds were really comfortable and we slept well. Great value at less than £40 per night. We stayed an extra night because of the torrential rain. Breakfast was available at extra cost. We went out to the Plaza Major.

Very nice hotel, clean, tidy with friendly staff. Its situated just off the main town square, so just right for a short break.

Clean, basic, reasonably warn. But noisy if you have a room facing Street. Helpful staff.

Clean and reasonably priced room. Very good location to the main plaza

(Translated by Google) The hostel is the best I've ever stayed at. Everything is very clean and the beds are large. The lady who was in charge was super friendly and offered everything you needed. The hostel is gloomy inside, but it's fine; nothing to worry about. I only stayed one night, and the only thing I complain about is the people dragging their beds and banging on the walls, but that's a common occurrence in places like this. (Original) El hostal es el mejor que he probado nunca, está todo muy limpio y las camas son grandes. La señora que atendía era super simpática y te ofrecía de todo. El hostal por dentro es tenebroso pero está muy bien, no hay de que preocuparse. Solo he estado una noche, y en lo único que me quejo es en las personas que arrastran las camas y dan golpes en la pared, pero eso es algo que pasa frecuentemente en lugares como estos.

(Translated by Google) It's a very quiet hostel even though it's full... The rooms are clean... And the lady who works there is always attentive and friendly. This is my second time here, and I'll be back next time. (Original) Es un hostal muy tranquilo aunque este lleno... Las habitaciones estan limpias... Y la señora q atiende se preocupa en todo momento ademas de amable. Es la segunda vez q vengo aqui y lo hare la siguiente.

Beautiful castle, but the place offers nothing special for 2 euros entrances fee, so I felt it should be free

Castelo de Belmonte Type: castle Time spent: 25-30 min Price: 2 EUR Parking: available WC: available Languages: English, Portuguese Last entrance: 30 min before it's closed The early occupation of the site has been linked to the presence of the Romans when they entered the Iberian Peninsula. Between 1992 and 1993, archaeological work in the keep proved a Roman presence in the region. The first historical information about the area dates back to the reign of the first King of Portugal Afonso I. In 1297 the Belmonte Castle lost strategic importance, while the town was developing extramural. The building was declared to be a National Monument by a decree published on 15 October 1927.

Small castle, but worth visiting just for the views, specially from the tower. Very nice staff too.

The castle is quite small but worthwhile to visit nonetheless. The tower is accessible, from where you have good views of the village and the surrounding landscape

2€ entry for not much to be honest, been to better castles in the country that had more to offer and free entry, you're better off driving another 20mins up the road to the castle town of Sortelha free entry absolutely stunning view.

Very scenic castle specially near sunset… A lovely clean and scenic town. A must visit in Portugal 🇵🇹 For Virtual Travel Video of this place search for my youtube channel “WORLD NATURE VIDEO” For BTS search for “ THE PINAY DIGITAL NOMAD”

Belmonte is the birthplace of Pedro Alves Cabral the founder of Brazil. Within the castle walls we can see his family coat of arms of 2 goats among other things

I love this place!! Free wild camping for RVs 😊 When you get here before dark there is a restaurant and a gift shop! We loved the meat and cheese 🧀 offered here! But there is lots of fun stuff! The view is breathtaking and it feels like your above the clouds! If you are RVing on your way up make sure you have ample propane for heating as it can be cold, gas ⛽️ or diesel and water 💧 We filled up from the free natural mountain 🏔️ water 💧 on our way up with a watering can!

Magnificent region. The mountains are unique (granite). If you love nature/mountains, this region is incredible. The views are mesmerising.

Breathtaking view while driving to the top of the mountain, and when arrive there you find beautiful snow landscapes (depending of the season) and very sympathetic merchants selling famous cheeses.

In winter, check if it’s snowing! If it is, you will have an amazing experience! Do not forget to go to “Covao dametade” as well!

Serra da Estrela was the first pace that i have been seen snow fall in Portugal. That was my Évoraerasmus trip. Like 40 people together we attend that trip. It was nice experience to travel with cable car

With 1993m serra da estrela is located middle north of portugal.this is a unique place in portugal to enjoy time in a freezing environment.recommended

Beautiful pity there was no snow

Very large castle perched at the top of this quaint town overlooking the surrounding countryside plains , the views from all higher points in the castle are awesome . There’s a €1.50 entry fee to the castle and it is well worth it . You can walk around the walls by beware there are no guard rails . It is well maintained and restored/preserved. This is a definitely must see .

Well for a small fee this is great. The views especially on a nice day would be fantastic. Large castle and the cistern has the best echo. The view of the town from here is also worth it.

⭐ 4.5/5 Marvão is an enchanting medieval hilltop village perched atop a granite escarpment, offering breathtaking 360° views over the Alentejo plains and into Spain 🌄 . --- 🏰 What Makes It Special Timeless walls & architecture: The 13th-century stone walls, narrow cobbled alleys, whitewashed houses with flower‑filled balconies, and wrought‑iron details transport you back centuries . Majestic Castle of Marvão: Built on living rock and fortified through ages—from Islamic beginnings to Christian reconstructions—it offers spectacular panoramic views from its ramparts and keep . Rich heritage & culture: Discover the Municipal Museum inside the Church of Santa Maria, treasure-filled with archaeological and religious artifacts; stroll through medieval gates like Porta de Rodão; and enjoy stories of sieges and legends . --- 🌿 Nature & Surroundings Serra de São Mamede Natural Park: Surrounding the town, ideal for hiking, birdwatching (keep an eye out for eagles!), and scenic nature walks . Roman ruins of Ammaia: Just a short drive away, explore fascinating ancient Roman remains and visit the on-site museum . --- 🍷 Local Flavours & Vibe Culinary delights: Sample hearty Alentejo fare such as açorda, roast lamb, local sausages, olive oil products—and of course regionally acclaimed wines . Charming cafés & shops: Relax in quaint cafes like Natural Bar or Varanda do Alentejo; browse artisanal crafts and gourmet stores such as O Poial da Artesão . --- 💡 Best Experience Tips Wander early or late to enjoy serenity before crowds gather . Take the scenic “Tunnel of Trees” route between Castelo de Vide and Marvão for a dramatic entrance . Climb the ramparts at sunset and witness Marvão glowing golden come evening—truly magical . **For more tips follow me on Google. I have a lot of maps and places to visit all around the world 🌎 all for free for my followers on Google Maps.**

What a beautiful experience! We dropped our car before entering the city (highly recommend) and walked to the castle. There is a lovely cafe halfway, perfect for a drink with a beautiful view. The castle is so beautiful and in such a good state considering how old it is. To enter you pay a fee of 1,50€ and after you can explore the castle. We spend almost 1,5 hours walking around. You can also get some souvenirs towards the other side of the castle. We were lucky to be there during the filmfestival and enjoyed a magical night watching a movie and enjoying some fado music. Obrigado!❤️

Beautiful castle with great views across the entire area. Small charge to get in and dog friendly.

Well restored Castle with great views and fun to explore. You can walk along top of the entire Castle perimeter walls although it's quite scary as there are no railings on the inner side. Best of all it's so peaceful. It's the highlight of my Portugal trip.

Spectacular large castle built on a 900m high rocky hill. Construction started when Muslims ruled Iberia under the rule of Ibn Maruan at the end of the 9th century. In the follwing centuries it was further enlarged and modified and played an important role in the defence of Portugal. You can climb the ramparts and towers and with good weather have a good view of the surounding areas

A Panoramic Marvel with Room for Improvement at Forte da Graça: Perched majestically above Elvas, the Forte da Graça commands an impressive location, offering breathtaking panoramic views that sweep across the entire town and the vast valley beyond. From its ramparts, you truly grasp the strategic importance of this UNESCO World Heritage site, feeling the echoes of its formidable past. The sheer scale and intricate design of the fort are a testament to 18th-century military engineering, making it a compelling visit for anyone interested in history and grand fortifications. However, while the exterior and the overall experience of exploring the fort's defenses are undeniably captivating, one particular aspect left a notable disappointment: the Governor's House. Given its dominant height and central position within the fort, it has all the makings of being the "jewel of the castle." Sadly, it stands largely bare, with nothing left or displayed inside. This feels like a missed opportunity to truly bring the fort's history to life. One can only imagine the stories and artifacts that could fill this significant space, transforming it from an empty shell into a vivid portal to the past. Despite this shortfall, the sheer grandeur of Forte da Graça, its stunning vistas, and the opportunity to walk through such a significant piece of Portuguese history make it a highly worthwhile visit. Just manage your expectations for the Governor's House, and prepare to be awed by the fort's commanding presence and unparalleled views.

A very nice and big fortress next to Elvas. There are four predefined routes in the fortress marked by different colours, but you can also walk freely as you like. Especially a walk along the outer wall was amazing, as you can see and enjoy the whole area around.

A wonderful historical site to visit! The fortress is impressive and well preserved, with a large exhibition of historical weapons. The staff are extremely friendly and helpful. We especially loved exploring the underground tunnels – a unique and unforgettable experience. The entrance fee is very inexpensive, making it an excellent value for anyone visiting Elvas.

Perched atop Monte da Graça (Grace Hill), this imposing fortress is one of Portugal’s most significant examples of 18th-century military architecture. Enclosed within a square layout about 150 meters per side, it features pentagonal bastions at each corner. Originally a strategic hilltop occupied by Spanish forces in 1658, the site was later reclaimed by the Portuguese. At the request of King Joseph I and the Marquis of Pombal, the fortress was redesigned and constructed between 1763 and 1792 under the direction of Conde de Lippe (Count of Lippe)—hence its original name: Forte Conde de Lippe. As a key defensive stronghold protecting Elvas and the Portuguese-Spanish border, the fort never fell to enemy hands. Remarkably, it withstood attacks during both the War of the Oranges (1801) and the Peninsular War (Napoleonic Wars, 1811), resisting assaults by Spanish and French forces alike.

Beautiful and very large fortress with so many rooms and underground hallways to explore! €5 entry per person was very good value for money. Cheap souvenirs at the entrance as well.

Gorgeous unique fort. I wish they had a little more information about it, or a guided audio tour would be perfect.

With views of Elvas and a fantastic maze of tunnels and stairs. It's good to get lost in and see what you find.

We really enjoyed our stay at the whimsical hotel. The land on which the property is located is sprawling and well maintained - we thoroughly enjoyed exploring the grounds. The room allocated to us was very comfortable and conveniently located. The service level was excellent. We enjoyed our meals at the restaurant. We would recommend this property to anyone looking for a romantic setting that is a bit out-of-the-box.

We stayed one night at this hotel. Upon entering, the hotel appears luxurious with an elegant check in area accompanied by lovely spa type water. The bellman was delightful as he brought us to our room. Our room, a garden room, however, was mediocre, at best. It smelled extremely musty and felt tired as did a lot of the hotel. We did enjoy the spa facilities and outdoor pool as those seemed to be well maintained. I’m sure at one time it was five star worthy, but to walk down the hall with beautiful sconces only to see them adorned with even a few cobwebs was disappointing. This hotel has incredible potential and with a much needed glam up and full gut renovation in some areas can return to its original 5 star grandeur.

Bait and switch? Well, not quite, but certainly a misleading first impression. The gated entry to the grounds, the long drive to the palatial entry and the valet waiting to take your car, The grand entryway and furnishings all lead one to believe that you are in for a rare treat. The reality is rather disappointing. We stayed in the garden room, and it is downstairs in a somewhat musty smelling location, and the room is best described as "mediocre Marriott". Not bad, but really nothing to write home over except for being large (by European standards). The room was probably restored in the 80's or 90's sometime and were done distinctly on a budget. My advice is do not get the garden room, or any of the cheaper rooms which are in the distinctly unattractive "new" spa wing. Maybe the more expensive suites are worth the price, but I highly doubt it. While you cannot knock the service here, the staff are wonderful and attentive, the serious refurbishment. Everything is looking a bit tired and in need of fresh paint and a bit of a fluff (don't get me started on the horrid carpeting they have everywhere!). We stayed the night before at the Torel Royal Court in Guimares and it was 2/3 the price and easily twice as nice. To my way of thinking, this is just not worth the money being asked. I think it could be made into a truly magnificent hotel deserving of the 5-star rating (right now it is at best maybe a 3.5 star), but the owners would need to pour in about $20M in renovation/restoration to make the rooms capture a feeling of being in a Palace and experiencing something special.

A beautiful Palace is rich in history of the area. The entrance up the driveway is spectacular and the service here is top notch. They will ensure that you have the best time and everything you need.

Beautiful location with fountains and gardens and close to city center. Very professional staff who accommodate every request. Food was excellent. Very enjoyable stay.

Beautiful hotel. Great Service. A bit of a walk to the old town/university. We walked vs taking car to the top and back which took a bit of time but hotel was worth it.

Hidden 5-star hotel in COIMBRA, book the PALACE room and enjoy the luxury and its service! Rent a car it is highly recommended!.The hotel property is huge with lot os history of PEDRO & INES!

Beautiful site when the sun was going down. The colors of the nature mixed with the cemen of this huge and impressive structure are breath taking. Be very careful crossing the street as the car tend to go fast on that road. Specially when the sun is going down the lights might obfuscate the drivers, so be careful. There are parking spots at each end of the dawn where you can park safely.

Stopped at Castelo do Bode Dam for a quick break during our drive. The peaceful atmosphere and beautiful water views made it a perfect spot to relax and recharge. There’s a small parking area—just be careful crossing the road. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a quiet place to unwind and enjoy the scenery.

Good place if you like hydroelectricity, but you cannot access close to water, nice to visit if you're already near

Beautiful view. There was a little roadside stall that was a bar with a little shop / snack table, offering a variety of local treats & baked goods. I got some little lemon sugar muffins / madelines, they were incredible!! So light & moist, and lemony AF! Magic. The view was lovely at the dam and it's really near the most gorgeous swimming lake.

Great views, lovely place where you can spend a few hours, enjoying the beauty of the coast, snacks and see traditional costumes of street vendors.

A for sure 'stop the car and see.' Described as one of the tallest structures in Portugal. I figured I should check this out. I learned it was constructed starting in 1945 and is used to supply water to Lisbon. I believe it's one of the three damn systems within the Zêzere river.

Quick pictures , stopping at the top viewpoint , there was a souvenir store and small cafe and such fantastic views x

Beautiful place, enormous building, rich history. Parking is somewhat limited, we parked at a second parking lot a bit further from the castle, but had to return early because we only paid for 3h of parking and didn't want to get a ticket. First reason for deducting 1 star: signalisation could be better, a toilet stop in the middle would be useful because it took a while to walk all the way from the middle to the end (not yet realizing how massive the place is) and even more time to get back to my family because it can be a maze of corridors, rooms and stairs. Second reason: we ate a pizza at the restaurant near the end and, while it was not bad, we paid more for that pizza (17.5€ each) than we did for any other food during our entire 9-day stay in Portugal, including a fancy restaurant. Finally, a minor remark: the place is far from accessible to wheelchairs or strollers, there are stairs everywhere. I'm not deducting stars for that because it would ruin the place to build elevators everywhere, but people need to know before they plan a visit.

I was wrong when I thought Tomar was a small town! The city is definitely worth a visit for its historical beauty and Templar influence, especially if you visit during the medieval festival season. As for the Convent of Christ, it's a visit that can take more than two hours; the building is quite large, and together with the castle, you can easily spend an entire day visiting it. In addition to the impressive architecture, you can enjoy an exhibition on medieval clothing, there are countless spaces to take an immense number of artistic photographs, and the light there is wonderful. It also has gardens and is pet-friendly. The service at the entrance is fast, you can use the 52-pass for Portuguese residents with your NIF, and of course, there's a 50% discount for those over 65 (general admission €15). I encourage you to visit the souvenir shop inside because it has very good prices, compared to the shop at the exit. They also have a cafe inside, which I enjoyed more than the one outside the building. Definitely a must visit in Portugal!

The Convento de Cristo in Tomar is one of those places that feel suspended in time, a stone labyrinth where the echoes of the Knights Templar still linger. Originally built as the headquarters of the Templars in Portugal, it later became the home of the Order of Christ, carrying that same air of mystery and quiet power. The main church, the Charola is extraordinary, its circular design was inspired by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, a direct architectural link between Portugal and the Holy Land. Inside, the space glows with medieval frescoes, gold leaf, and a sense of sacred geometry that feels spiritual and beautiful. The rest of the convent unfolds like a dream of stone, cloisters upon cloisters, Manueline windows crawling with rope and coral motifs, and corridors that seem to hum with history. You can almost imagine the Templar knights walking through at dusk, the weight of centuries in their silence. It’s not just a monument; it’s a story carved in limestone, blending faith, art, and mystery. Whether you’re drawn by history or atmosphere, Convento de Cristo is one of the most powerful and beautiful places in Portugal. Well worth the visit when in Tomar.

We were only in Tomar for a single evening en route elsewhere, but visited the Convent (and the accompanying Castle) for a few hours before we left the town the next morning. It was a good activity that we enjoyed! Added with the walk around the (exterior) Castle, it was as couple hours well spent. We bought tickets to the Convent online in advance so basically just walked right in. The Convent is quite large, and the self-guided tour through it is easy to follow with decent signage. It wasn't too busy when we were there (a Friday morning in late September) and it was very interesting to walk through this historic site. There is a parking lot right out front, and it wasn't busy when we got there fairly early in the morning, but when we left a few hours later it appeared full! The rest rooms were out of service due to a water issue in the toilets, so we had to go to the little cafe near the parking lot (and pay for toilet access) but that was really the only drawback.

It’s stunning and spectacular! The space is huge and the arty decoration is phenomenal! It’s way more worth for a visit than Belem. Even though Tomar is a bit far, but the town is lovely so I’d recommend to plan a day trip here.

Very interesting museum, shows the importance of the building to the Order of Christ. Quite an affordable stop as well, with children being half the price. Strongly recommended.

Sadly the clConvent de Christo is under significant renovations, a large amount including the templar castle will be closed until at least march (by the signage present) The first room you'll enter is still the most impressive and it could be worth the visit this winter, provided you are okay with the lack of full access