In Lisbon's Feira da Ladra, Thieves are not Welcome: Located in Campo de Santa Clara, not far from the Alfama district, Lisbon's Feira da Ladra (Thieves Market) has been in existence since the 13th century. People gather at this open-air market to buy and sell items in the shade of centuries-old buildings. Photographs from the end of the 19th century reveal a flea market that looks much like it does today. No doubt items sold then would be considered antiques today, but the air of lively … [Read more...]
Óbidos – Portugal’s Perfect Medieval Fortress
November 21, 2009 by
Óbidos is "Queen's Town": One of my favourite destinations in Portugal is Óbidos. This pretty and well preserved medieval town is sometimes called the "queen's town". When King Dinis married Isabel of Aragon in 1282, Óbidos was one of the wedding presents he gave her. From then until 1883, Óbidos and the surrounding land were always the property of the queens of Portugal. Óbidos is one of the most perfect examples of medieval fortresses in Portugal. Encircled by a ring of … [Read more...]
