Month: February 2022

• Park of Monserrate

  

  As a lover of gardens, I’ve been to many in both the United States and Europe. At the top of my list of favorites are Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens in California and Cawdor Castle Gardens in Scotland. Since visiting last May, the Park of Monserrate Palace now tops my list. It is stunning in both…

  Terri

  February 18, 2022

  Europe, Gardens, Portugal, Sintra, Tourism, Travel

  Flowers, Gardens, Monserrate Palace, Palaces, Portugal, Sintra, Sintra Portugal, Tourism, Travel

• A Tale of Two Palaces (Part Two)

  

  The Palace of Monserrate has a long history of famous occupants and guests. In 1790, wealthy diamond merchant Gerard de Visme built the first Neo-Gothic palace on the ruins of the old chapel of Our Lady of Monserrate. In the mid-1790’s, British novelist and art collector William Beckford became the new tenant. During his stay…

  Terri

  February 11, 2022

  Europe, Portugal, Sintra, Tourism, Travel

  Architecture, Gardens, History, Lord Byron, Monserrate Palace, Palaces, Pena Palace, Portugal, Sintra, Sintra Portugal, Sir Francis Cook, Tourism, Travel, Travesseiro, William Beckford

• A Tale of Two Palaces (Part One)

  

  With its proximity to Lisbon, favorable climate, and lush natural beauty it’s no wonder why Sintra attracted both royals and the rich as THE spot to build their palaces. It is also one of the most romantic spots in Portugal, where kings and queens have fallen in love and where writers such as Lord Byron…

  Terri

  February 5, 2022

  Europe, Portugal, Sintra, Tourism, Travel

  Architecture, Gardens, History, Monserrate Palace, Palaces, Pena Palace, Portugal, Sintra, Sintra Portugal, Tourism, Travel, Travesseiro