Kim McMahill

Lamego, Portugal is a city located in the northern part of the country. The city has many interesting things to see, but the most stunning is Our Lady of Remedies which stands above town. This Catholic Church sits atop a hill overlooking Lamego, and 686-steps lead from the town to the Sanctuary. Along the stairway are nine levels decorated with blue and white tiled friezes, sculptures, and fountains. The Sanctuary is stunning, inside and out, and is one of the main pilgrimage sites in Portugal.

Porto, Portugal is a beautiful coastal city located alongside the Douro River in northwest Portugal. It’s the second largest city in the country and world-famous for its port wine production. Its Romanesque cathedral with gothic cloisters, stately bridges, historic city center, and location along the Douro River, make this a city worth exploring.  

Lisbon, Portugal is a city with a proud history and a vibrant culture. The historic district of this hilly coastal capital city has an abundance of statues, parks, cathedrals, stunning architecture, sidewalks constructed of black and white tiles arranged in beautiful patterns, and great cafes and bakeries selling pastis de natas, a delicious Portuguese egg custard tart pastry. My only problem with this city was that my visit was too short, so if you go, be sure to give yourself plenty of time.