A visit to Óbidos, with its winding old streets and whitewashed houses, is a pleasure all year round. But if you catch one of the festivals, it's a very special experience. Whether you're watching a tournament at the medieval market or climbing up the castle walls, discovering the next Pavarotti at the Festival de Ópera or savouring heavenly chocolate at the Festival Internacional do Chocolate - the setting couldn't be better!
The gate into Óbidos, Porta da Vila, features beautiful traditional Portuguese tiles (azulejos) that depict the Passion of Christ. The church in Óbidos, Igreja de Santa Maria, is known for its painting of the Last Supper. The Aqueduct of Óbidos a bit outside the main town is a testament to the engineering skills of the past.

The Monastery of Alcobaça (Mosteiro de Alcobaça) is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Portugal's most impressive architectural monuments, known for its stunning early Gothic architecture. The monastery was founded in the 12th century by the first Portuguese King, Afonso Henriques, and houses the tombs of King Pedro I and Inês de Castro, whose tragic love story is a famous chapter in Portuguese history.
The medieval kitchen (Cozinha Monástica) is an impressive sight, with a huge chimney and fish ponds fed by a river that runs through the monastery.

Batalha is home to one of the most significant Gothic monuments in Europe, the Batalha Monastery, also known as the Monastery of Saint Mary of the Victory. which is an UNESCO World Heritage site and commemorates the 1385 Battle of Aljubarrota. It was built by King João I of Portugal as a thanksgiving to the Virgin Mary for the victory.

Porto, Portugal's second-largest city, is famous for its Dom Luís I Bridge (Ponte de Dom Luís I), an iconic double-deck metal arch bridge that spans the Douro River, offering spectacular views of the city and the river. The baroque Clerigos Tower (Torre dos Clérigos) offers panoramic views of the city and is one of Porto's most recognizable landmarks. The Cathedral of Porto (Sé do Porto) is fortress-like and features a mix of architectural styles, including Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque.

Guimarães is often referred to as the birthplace of Portugal due to its significant role in the country's foundation and identity. The medieval Guimarães Castle (Castelo de Guimarães) is closely associated with the origins of Portugal and the birth of the nation's first king, Afonso Henriques.
The 15th-century Palace of the Dukes of Braganza (Paço dos Duques de Bragança) combines architectural elements of a noble house and a military building, reflecting the power and wealth of the House of Braganza.
The historic centre of Guimarães is an UNESCO World Heritage site and shows the evolution of a medieval settlement into a modern town.

Braga is one of Portugal's oldest cities and Braga Cathedral (Sé de Braga) is the oldest cathedral in Portugal, with a history that spans over a millennium.
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sameiro (Santuário do Sameiro) is one of the centers of Marian devotion in Portugal. It features a monumental basilica, a large dome, and a statue of the Virgin Mary.
Rua do Souto and Avenida da Liberdade are pedestrian streets in the heart of Braga lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings.

The Ponte Medieval de Pontesampaio was the site of a significant battle in June 1809, where Spanish forces won a decisive victory against the French troops, contributing to the liberation of Galicia during the War of Spanish Independence. The bridge showcases medieval architecture, although it has been reconstructed and repaired over the centuries. Its exact origins are not clear, but it is believed to have Roman origins, later rebuilt or modified in the medieval period. The structure is characterized by its stone construction and several arches that allow it to span the river.

The Praza da Ferrería is in the heart of Pontevedra's old town, surrounded by historic buildings, including the Convent of San Francisco and the Church of San Francisco.
The Basilica of Santa Maria a Maior is a stunning example of late Gothic architecture with a beautiful façade featuring sculptures of the apostles. Ponte do Burgo is an important historical bridge over the Lérez River.

Santiago de Compostela is the capital of northwest Spain's Galicia region.
Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela where the tomb of St. James the Apostle is said to be located. The cathedral is an architectural masterpiece, showcasing Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque elements. The Pórtico de la Gloria and the Botafumeiro are among its most notable features.
Praza do Obradoiro: The main square in front of the cathedral, surrounded by important buildings such as the Hostal dos Reis Católicos, the Palacio de Raxoi, and the Colegio de San Xerome. It's the meeting point for pilgrims from all over the world.
Monastery of San Martiño Pinario: is one of the largest monastic complexes in Spain, featuring impressive Baroque architecture and a beautiful church.

Portomarín is known for its Iglesia de San Juan: A church that was moved stone by stone from its original location before the area was flooded by the construction of a dam.

Monastery of San Xulián de Samos: An impressive Benedictine monastery with a long history, known for its beautiful frescoes and library.

Iglesia de Santiago: Famous for the Puerta del Perdón, through which pilgrims who were too ill to continue their journey could receive the same absolution as in Santiago.

Castillo de los Templarios: An impressive Templar castle from the 12th century that towers over the city

A simple iron cross on a wooden pole, surrounded by a pile of stones. Pilgrims traditionally leave a stone here that they have brought from home to symbolise their burdens and hopes.

Palacio Episcopal: Another work by Antoni Gaudí, which now houses the Museo de los Caminos, a museum dedicated to the Way of St James. Astorga Cathedral: A beautiful mixture of Gothic, Baroque and neoclassical elements.

A city with a rich history and impressive architecture, including the Gothic Cathedral of León and the Basilica of San Isidoro, famous for its Romanesque murals.

The Canal de Castilla is one of the most significant engineering works carried out in Spain during the 18th and 19th centuries. It was designed primarily for transportation and irrigation purposes, aiming to facilitate the grain export from Castile to northern ports and hence to other markets. The canal also played a crucial role in irrigating the fields in its vicinity. The Canal de Castilla has three main branches or "ramales": North (Norte), South (Sur), and Campos.

The gothic Burgos Cathedral (Catedral de Burgos) is an UNESCO World Heritage site and famous for its intricate façade, beautiful chapels, and the tomb of El Cid, the legendary Castilian nobleman and military leader.
Monastery of Santa María la Real de Las Huelgas is a beautiful Cistercian monastery founded in the 12th century, known for its royal tombs, impressive cloisters, and the remarkable collection of medieval textiles.

The town's most notable building is its cathedral, which began as a simple church built by Santo Domingo to serve the pilgrims. Over the centuries, it has been expanded and now showcases a mix of architectural styles, including Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque. The cathedral is unique for housing a live chicken and rooster inside, in memory of a famous miracle attributed to Santo Domingo involving a hanged pilgrim who was found to be alive.
The Miracle of the Hen and Rooster: According to legend, in the 14th century, a German pilgrim was falsely accused of theft and hanged. His parents, upon finding him still alive, brought this to the attention of the local judge, who was about to eat dinner and remarked that the pilgrim was as alive as the roasted chicken on his plate. The chicken then stood up and crowed, proving the miracle. This story is commemorated in the cathedral with the presence of live birds.

Pamplona, the capital of the Navarre region in northern Spain, is famous for its annual San Fermín festival, featuring the running of the bulls. the bullring. Pamplona's City Walls and Fortifications are one of the best-preserved military fortifications in Spain.
Plaza del Castillo: The heart of Pamplona, this large square is surrounded by cafes and restaurants, serving as a popular gathering place for locals and visitors.
Pamplona Cathedral (Catedral de Santa María la Real de Pamplona) is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture with a neoclassical façade.
Town Hall (Ayuntamiento de Pamplona) is where the San Fermín festival officially begins each year with the "chupinazo" rocket launch on July 6th.
Citadel (Ciudadela): A 16th-century fortress built in the shape of a pentagon, now serving as a public park and venue for cultural events.

Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, located in the French Basque Country at the base of the Pyrenees mountains, is a historic town known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and as a major starting point for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago, specifically the French Way (Camino Francés).
Citadelle: The Citadel, built in the 17th century by Vauban under the orders of Louis XIV, sits atop the town and offers panoramic views of the surrounding Basque countryside and the Pyrenees. It has a rich military history and has been used for various purposes over the centuries.
Old Bridge (Pont Neuf): This bridge over the Nive River is a historic crossing point for pilgrims and an important feature of the town's medieval layout.

Saint-Émilion and its surrounding vineyards have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The area includes several prestigious wine estates that produce some of the most highly regarded and expensive wines in the world.
One of the most remarkable sights in Saint-Émilion is the Monolithic Church, carved entirely out of a limestone cliff in the 12th century. It is the largest underground church in Europe and a testament to the town's medieval history.
The medieval town itself is a charm to explore, with its narrow cobblestone streets, ancient buildings, and remnants of fortifications.
Les Cordeliers Cloister, a former Franciscan monastery features beautiful Gothic cloisters and gardens.

Brantôme Abbey: Often referred to as the ‘Venice of the Périgord’, Brantôme is known for its beautiful abbey, which is partially surrounded by water. Grotte de Villars: Located near Brantôme, these caves are known for their prehistoric paintings and impressive stalactites and stalagmites.

Saint-Étienne Cathedral: An impressive Gothic cathedral known for its finely crafted stained glass windows. Musée National Adrien Dubouché: This museum houses one of the largest porcelain collections in the world and offers an insight into the long tradition of porcelain production in Limoges. Quartier de la Boucherie: A historic neighbourhood known for its medieval half-timbered houses and the Saint-Aurélien chapel.

The Puy de Dôme is a large lava dome and one of the youngest volcanoes in the Chaîne des Puys region of the Massif Central in central France. Rising to an altitude of 1,465 meters. The summit hosts the ruins of a Roman temple dedicated to Mercury, dating back to the 2nd century.

Clermont-Ferrand, the capital of the Auvergne region in central France, is famously home to the global headquarters of Michelin, the tire company. The city's history and development are closely tied to the growth of Michelin, which has significantly influenced its economy and culture. Cathedral of Notre-Dame de l'Assomption: This stunning Gothic cathedral is built almost entirely from black lava stone, giving it a distinctive dark appearance that stands out against the city skyline. The main square in the city, Place de Jaude, is a lively hub of activity, surrounded by shops, cafes, and important buildings, including the opera house and a statue of Vercingetorix, the Gallic chieftain who fought against Julius Caesar and is a symbol of French unity and resistance.

Vichy is renowned for its thermal springs and as a historic spa town. It has a rich history that spans from Roman times to the modern day. The town experienced significant development during the Belle Époque era in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This period left a legacy of magnificent architecture, including the opulent Vichy Opera House, grand hotels, and the Hall des Sources, where visitors can taste the thermal waters. Vichy Regime: During World War II, Vichy became the seat of the French government from 1940 to 1944, led by Marshal Philippe Pétain after France's defeat by Germany. This government, known as the Vichy Regime, collaborated with Nazi Germany, a dark chapter in the town's history.

Paray-le-Monial is particularly renowned for its significance in the Christian tradition, especially within the Catholic Church, due to its association with the apparitions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The heart of Paray-le-Monial is the Basilica of Sacré-Coeur (Basilica of the Sacred Heart), a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. The basilica is famous for being the site of the apparitions of Jesus to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque in the 17th century, during which He revealed the devotion to His Sacred Heart.

The town was the site of Cluny Abbey, founded in 910 AD, which played a pivotal role in the development of Western monasticism. At its height during the Middle Ages, Cluny Abbey was the largest Christian building in the world until the construction of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. It was the center of the Cluniac Order, which had a profound influence on the religious and political landscape of Europe. The abbey emphasized strict adherence to the Rule of Saint Benedict, liturgical prayer, and scholarship.
The Cluniac Reforms: The abbey was known for initiating the Cluniac Reforms, which sought to revive the original monastic ideals of poverty, chastity, and obedience. These reforms spread throughout Europe, leading to the establishment of hundreds of dependent priories.
Architectural Influence: Although much of the original abbey was destroyed during the French Revolution, the remaining structures, including the south transept and the octagonal bell tower (Tour des Fromages), give insight into the grandeur and architectural innovation of Cluniac buildings. The Abbey of Cluny was a forerunner in the development of Romanesque architecture.

Taizé is known internationally for the Taizé Community, an ecumenical Christian monastic fraternity founded in 1940 by Brother Roger Schutz. The community is dedicated to peace, reconciliation, and Christian unity.
Ecumenical Focus: The Taizé Community is one of the world's most important sites of Christian pilgrimage, especially for young people. Its ecumenical approach aims to bring together Christians of various denominations, including Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox, to live and pray together.
Prayer and Worship: The heart of life in Taizé is the thrice-daily communal prayer, characterized by its simplicity, meditative singing, periods of silence, and the reading of Scripture. The Taizé chants, short songs repeated over and over, have become widely known and used in churches around the world.
Pilgrimage Site: Every year, thousands of young adults from around the globe visit Taizé to participate in meetings focused on prayer, Bible study, sharing, and communal work. These meetings are designed to promote a sense of community and spiritual growth among participants.
Brother Roger and the Community's Founding: Brother Roger established the community during World War II as a sanctuary for refugees, including Jews fleeing the Nazi regime. His vision was to create a community based on kindness, simplicity, and reconciliation.
International Outreach: Beyond its activities in Taizé itself, the community is involved in various social and humanitarian projects around the world. It also organizes international meetings in different cities to spread its message of peace and unity.
Silence and Reflection: A significant aspect of the Taizé experience is the emphasis on silence as a part of spiritual practice. Times of silence during prayers and throughout the day are encouraged for personal reflection and deeper spiritual engagement.

Birthplace of Photography: Chalon-sur-Saône is celebrated as the birthplace of Nicéphore Niépce, one of the pioneers of photography. In 1822, Niépce developed the first successful process of capturing images, heliography, leading to the creation of the world's oldest surviving photograph.
Cathédrale Saint-Vincent: Dominating the city's skyline, the Cathédrale Saint-Vincent is a beautiful Gothic cathedral with parts dating back to the 8th century. Its façade, towers, and stained glass windows are particularly noteworthy.
Île Saint-Laurent: This island in the Saône River is connected to the rest of the city by several bridges and is known for its vibrant atmosphere, with numerous restaurants, bars, and cafes offering outdoor seating along the riverbank.

The historic center of Dole is a beautifully preserved area with winding streets, traditional houses, and buildings dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries.
Collégiale Notre-Dame de Dole dominates the town's skyline.
The birthplace of Louis Pasteur, the renowned chemist and microbiologist, is now a museum dedicated to his life and work.

Citadel of Besançon: Designed by the renowned military engineer Vauban in the 17th century dominates the city from a rocky spur. It's one of France's most impressive fortresses.
Housed in the Granvelle Palace, the Museum of Time explores the history of timekeeping, reflecting the city's significant watchmaking heritage.
The house where Victor Hugo, the famous French writer and poet, was born in 1802 is now a museum dedicated to his life and work, emphasizing his commitment to social justice issues.