The Pousada of Almeida offers
modern, luxury accommodation in an old fortified village in Central Portugal.
Despite the modern buildings,
the Pousada reflects the historical and cultural importance of Almeida,
which is now classified as 'National Heritage'.
Almeida is an attractive
fortified border town within 18th century walls which to go around is a
walk of about 4 kilometers.
This recently built Pousada
hotel has 21 spacious bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, air conditioning, television, telephone and minibar. Some of the
bedrooms are inter-connecting.
The Pousada of Almeida is air conditioned
and facilities include restaurant, bar and parking.
Dining in Portugal is usually
very good and the restaurants of the Pousada group are no exception. They
offer a variety of dishes including a selection of local and regional specialities.
The area has been fought
over many times with the last Spanish occupation occurring in 1762. The
fort had a capacity of 5000 soldiers with all the facilities for a long
siege.
The town also played a key
role in the Peninsular War of 1807 to 1814. It fell to the French in January
1808 and was reoccupied by the Portuguese on the French retreat in August
of the same year. The French returned in 1810 and the Luso-Britannic forces
held out for 17 days until there was a tragedy.
A barrel of gunpowder in
poor condition was being carried to an artillery platform on the northern
walls leaving a trail behind. The gunpowder ignited and hundreds were killed
and the survivors surrendered to the French.
In 1911 Wellington won a
famous victory at Fuentes d'Onoro and was able to retake the town after
the French army abandoned it without a fight using the 'portas falsas'
.
While staying at the Pousada
we suggest that a visit is made to the Foz Coa Valley to see the prehistoric paintings that resulted in the abandonment of an important
dam project that would have submerged them. It is advisable to book in
advance.
Activities in this area of Tras os Montes include
river fishing, jeep safaris and hot air ballooning. There are nature trails
which you may either walk or go by bicycle.
The international airport
at Porto (Oporto) is approximately 233 kilometers from this Pousada of
Portugal.
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