Today I took the scenic route north through the border country towards the far north-east of Portugal ,to Braganca. This took me through The Tras os Montes e Alto Douro (upper Douro)province.The area in itself is a Unesco world heritage site,because of the human landscaping, with steep hills terraced with vines, often just one row per terrace. This is a hilly, rocky landscape, but scattered among the among the vines on the terraces the almond blossom is out.
Terraced rocky hillsides dotted with almond trees-The Alto Douro 
First sight of Braganca The route took me over the Valeira dam, a huge hydro scheme on the upper Douro, built in 1976.Now they currently seem to be building phase two higher up the river, which I also passed. As I approached Braganca, I could see snow dotting the higher hills beyond, which mark the northern border of Portugal.
The anglicised name Braganza is known in England by association with Catherine of Braganza ,who married Charles II ,thus forming the long running alliance with Portugal,and whose dowry included that poisoned chalice,Tangier,which became a sort of Afghanistan for the English army in the late 17th century(but that’s another story).
Actually the noble(later royal) family of Braganca just take their name from this dukedom,but had territory all over Portugal.
Actually the noble(later royal) family of Braganca just take their name from this dukedom,but had territory all over Portugal.
 The Keep of Braganca castle | Following the coordinates for the town's campervan area entered into my satnav from my camper guide I wind my way up from the main square of the old town,up narrow cobbled streets ,towards the castle,and there at the back is a picnic area and dedicated camper stop.There are several flat areas of car-park built over 3 terraces. More French people are there,and one Luxembourger.They don't say anything to me,unlike the French campers in Almeida,who were quite chatty(in French).So I am again camped up under castle ruins . |  The WWI display-Grey uniforms and British tin hats-yes, they were on our side! Within the castle is a little military museum,which I waste little time visiting(but only after deviating for a quick coffee and pasteis de nata at a local pastellaria in the town square)There is much Napoleonic stuff, of perhaps limited interest, and also one room about WWI-which seems topical this year |
Lostintransit is the smallest one of all- below Braganca castle walls
The Old city of Braganza is a nice little town,and somehow has the feel of a hill town,the galleried houses and narrow streets somehow seem reminiscent of pictures I have seen of hill towns in India.
 Old Braganca |  up to the castle |
Old Braganca's main square
RSS Feed