Casa Mateus and the Douro Valley

 

Another foggy, drizzly morning as the bus makes it's way toward Casa Mateus. Traveling east into the hills, we can see the terraces of the grape vines.

We stop in Vila Real and park just outside the gateway to Casa de Mateus.

Fundação da Casa de Mateus

Our group walks down a short path to view the house and chapel in the reflecting pool. So peaceful and so beautiful.

Completed in 1744, Casa de Mateus is considered one of the best examples of Baroque architecture in Portugal.

The interior of the building hosts a collection of items from over the last 500 years of Portugal and Europe.

The library has many volumes and a few very rare editions. It even has a secret, hidden ladder.

After soaking up the history from the interior of the house, we head back outside and make a quick visit to the Chapel.

Then it's time to wander around the magnificent gardens. The rain has held for us and a stroll is just what we need.

Back outside the gate and heading to the bus, we meet up with a guy making motorcycles and a women vending fruit and roasted chestnuts.

Our next stop is Quinta do Paco, we're here for lunch and what turned into a bottomless wine bottle at our table.

We nibbled heavily on the starters then found out there was still soup and a main and a dessert. Plus wine, lots of wine!

Back on the bus and we head further up into the Hills.

We pass a hydro-power plant. 

Fun facts: Portugal closed its last coal-fired power plant in 2021. In 2024, renewable sources generated 71% of the country's electricity demand, with hydropower and wind being the largest contributors. 

Our next stop is a visit to the Quinta da Pacheca, 

This year's harvest was collected in September and is resting in casks but some of the vines are still green.

Our guide explains to us how the winery has be given a new life and now has a hotel and events space for weddings and other large special events.

She is very proud of the winery and it shows.

She tells us how in September guests can help stomp the grapes and even shows us a phone video that reminds some of the Lucy Show episode (you youngsters-Google it-it's hilarious!)

Barrels on display in the wine cellar which doubles as an event area.

 You can even arrive at your wedding in the Rolls Phantom!

Then the group's favorite part of the tour, the wine tasting. We get to sample three varietals.

Slightly wasted and getting tired, we head to our last stop. We're racing the sunset and hope to see as much of the Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral in Lamego before it gets too dark.

The Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral (Sé Catedral de Nossa Senhora da Assunção) also called Lamego Cathedral was founded in 1129. 

Each level has statues, fountains and beautiful tile work.

And killer views of the valley.

But we're in drive-by mode so it's difficult to appreciated all there is to see. 

The chapel's interior is quite ornate.

Even the ceiling is gorgeous.

Before heading to our hotel for the evening we get a glimpse of the Cathedral. Yes, it does have 686 steps. In our short time we got to do a lot less than that.

Dinner on our own tonight 

Tomorrow's another long day. We're heading to Coimbra, a city who's roots date back to the Roman Republic. It's also the university town that inspired JK Rowling's Hogwarts Capes. (you'll see!). 

Then on to Fátima

Travel on friends!