On a hill outside the town
of Guimaraes in Portugal, this Hotel Pousada Santa Marinha is a converted 17th Century
Augustinian convent.
This is one of two Pousadas
in Guimaraes and it is considered to be one of the best in the group.
It was awarded the coveted Europa Nostra prize for its renovation and restoration.
Guimaraes, "The cradle of
the Nation" is the birthplace of the first king of Portugal, Afonso Henriques,
and was the first capital of Portugal. As befits a town of such eminence,
Guimaraes has a wealth of magnificent buildings.
King Afonso Henriques was
born in the impressive 10th Century castle, he established the first Portuguese
court here in the 12th Century.
Just below the castle, the
little Romanesque Capela de Sao Miguel still celebrates mass on the king's
birthday.
The medieval Paco dos Duques
was the residence of the Royal House of Braganca in the 15th Century. Extensively
restored, it now houses a museum and an art gallery with a fine collection
of portrait paintings.
The old town has some wonderful
medieval buildings particularly round the Largo da Oliveira, the most impressive
of which is the church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira.
Adjoining the church is the
Museum Alberto Sampaio which has some beautiful exhibits including a triptych
captured from the King of Castile.
Approximately 9 kilometers
from Guimaraes is the Celtic settlement, Citania de Briteiros. This important
archaeological site was occupied from 400 B.C. and consists of over 150
dwellings.
This stunning Pousada has
luxuriously furnished rooms, vaulted ceilings and azulejos (tiles) in abundance.
Stroll in the beautiful gardens and enjoy fine cuisine in the excellent
restaurant which offers a variety of dishes including a selection of local
and regional specialities.
Pousada de Guimaraes Santa
Marinha has 49 rooms and 2 suites, all with private bathroom, air conditioning, cable television, hair dryer, locker, bathing gowns, telephone and minibar.
Facilities here include lift,
restaurant, bar, terrace, swimming pool, family games and
parking.
This Pousada also has conference
facilities.
Nearby you will find activities
such as golf, horse riding, shooting range, country walks, four wheel driving,
paintball, mountain bikes and micro lighting.
The international airport
at Porto (Oporto) is approximately 54 kilometers from this Pousada of Portugal.
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