Douro valley day 2… More wine and cathedrals

We had a great night at the house we were staying in. So beautiful here and listening to the birds in the morning…

If you come to the Douro valley, staying at Douroparadise owned by Pedro Ribeiro and using Daniel as a tour guide you cannot go wrong. Daniel owns Terra d’alma a personal tour company and he is also a budding Sommelier.

Quinta de Pacheco

We started off at a wine tasting at Quinta de Pacheco. It is a commercial operation which seemed a bit more impersonal. Not one of my favorite places so far but the landscape was beautiful.

You can actually stay in these wine barrel houses.

Sandeman is a well-known producer of wines in the world. It is know for its port wines, particularly its iconic Don (or Don Quixote) logo, which is recognized worldwide. The company was founded in 1790 and has a long history of producing high-quality port wines, including Tawny, Ruby, Vintage, and Late Bottled Vintage ports, among others. Sandeman also offers guided tours of its cellars in Porto, Portugal, providing visitors with an insight into the port wine-making process and the company’s rich heritage.

We also stopped at another church but as we approached the front door we realized that a funeral was taking place and did not go inside.

Santuario Nossa Senhora dos Remedi

The Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios is an important pilgrimage site in Portugal, located in Lamego. This sanctuary features an impressive Baroque staircase with 686 steps leading up to the church, offering beautiful views of the city and the surrounding landscape. Devotion to Nossa Senhora dos Remédios dates back to the 14th century, and the sanctuary is a significant destination for both believers and tourists visiting the region.

Tile work inside the cathedral can be seen all around the perimeter. The azulejo tile here in Portugal is beautiful.

Azulejo tiles are a type of ceramic tile that is commonly found in Portugal and Spain, particularly in decorative art and architecture. These tiles are known for their intricate designs and vibrant colors, often featuring geometric patterns, floral motifs, or historical scenes. Azulejos were introduced to Portugal by the Moors in the 15th century and have since become an integral part of Portuguese culture and architecture. They are commonly used to decorate walls, floors, and even ceilings in buildings such as churches, palaces, and public squares. The word “azulejo” itself comes from the Arabic word “al-zuleycha,” which means “polished stone.” Today, azulejo tiles are celebrated for their beauty and craftsmanship and are often considered a symbol of Portuguese and Spanish cultural identity.

The Santuario Nossa Senhora dos Remedios is perched on a hill above the town of Lamego. To reach the Church you climb up sets of zigzag stairs from the wide avenue at the edge of the town. The view is worth the climb. Due to the rain we were dropped off at the top and viewed the inside of the church first. I then started at the top of the stairs and went down instead.

At every level in the stairs there was tile work that is simply beautiful.

Down at the bottom in the square of the town.

Lamego Cathedral

Lamego Cathedral, also known as Sé de Lamego, is a beautiful cathedral located in the city of Lamego, Portugal. It’s known for its stunning Romanesque and Gothic architecture and is a significant landmark in the region. The cathedral dates back to the 12th century and is definitely worth a visit for anyone interested in history and architecture. It is the oldest cathedral in Portugal.

Views around the center of the town.

Pastelería da sé is a bread and pastry shop near the cathedral which is known for its pastries and bread with meat. I ordered some snacks and also the bread with salted cod.

Bread made with salted cod. They also have ones with ham and other meats.

Gueda winery is a small winery that goes back 30 generations. Currently a brother and sister run the winery and their passion or evident in how they manage and explain their process. A great end to the day. We had started the day with a commercial winery and ended the day with a small family winery.