Pousada de Santa Marinha da Costa

Description:

• With foundations dating from the 12th century, this restored pousada is one of the most impressive in Portugal. Teresa, mother of Afonso Henrîques, built it in 1154 as an Augustinian convent. It gained a baroque facade in the 18th century, when the soaring interior halls and spouting fountains were installed. The ornate Manueline church that occupies part of the building still offers Mass on Sunday. The property lies at the end of a winding road about 2km (1 1/4 miles) north of the town center on N101-2. Signs indicate the direction.

  Take the time to explore both the upper halls and the gardens. One of the best rooms is a beautifully furnished large salon. At the end of one of the soaring halls, a fountain bubbles beneath an intricate wooden ceiling, surrounded by an open arcade that encompasses a view of the faraway mountains.

  The guest rooms are a pleasing blend of old stonework, modern plasterwork, regional fabrics, and Portuguese lithographs. About half are in a relatively modern wing attached to the medieval core. The modern units, decorated in traditional Portuguese style, are equipped with well-maintained bathrooms containing tub/shower combinations.

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Very Highly Recommended 2010