This charming and modern
Hotel Pousada overlooks Braganca, the historic capital of Tras-os-Montes
(behind the hills) in Portugal.
This is an excellent and comfortable
base from which to explore this remote and historic region that time has
forgotten.
The town is the seat of the
Royal House of Braganca who ruled Portugal from 1640 to 1910 when the monarchy
was dissolved.
The old medieval walled town
known as the Citadela has been virtually untouched for centuries. It surrounds
the 13th Century council chamber and 12th Century keep.
The keep has a military museum
and a viewing platform affording panoramic views of the area and across
to Spain.
Due to its remoteness, Braganca
became sanctuary to the Jewish population fleeing Spain to escape the Inquisition,
their culture affected many aspects of Braganca life.
Outside the fortified walls
in the new town is the Renaissance Cathedral of Sao Joao Baptista, with
painted panels of the life of St. Ignatius Loyola, founder of the Jesuit
order.
Also worth visiting is the
Igreja de Sao Bento, a Renaissance gem.
The 18th Century Bishop's
Palace, now a museum, has a collection of religious art, paintings by Alberto
Souza and traditional folk art and craft.
Also of interest is the small
transport museum containing the first steam train in the north.
Stretching north from Braganca
to the Spanish border is Montesinho Natural Park a wilderness where time has stood still and the lifestyle
of the villagers remains virtually unchanged since medieval times.
The accommodation at the
Pousada comprises 28 bedrooms including 12 standard bedrooms, 15 superior rooms and 1 suite all with private bathrooom, hair dryer, air conditioning/heating, cable TV and satelite, telephone, minibar and Internet in 3 rooms and Wireless in all the others. Many
rooms have a balcony and some are inter-connecting.
Facilites include lift, restaurant, bar, terrace and parking.
Dining in Portugal is usually
very good. The restaurants of the Pousada group hotels offer a variety
of dishes including a selection of local and regional specialities.
Pousada de Braganca also
has a swimming pool and will be pleased to assist in organising some of
the activities held in the area which include horseriding, shooting, fishing,
four wheel driving, bicycle excursions, micro lighting, karting and picnics.
The international airport
at Porto (Oporto) is approximately 214 kilometers from this Pousada of
Portugal.
Pousada of Braganca or Hotel Sao Bartolomeu. Accommodation looking onto the beautiful medieval Portuguese castle.
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