• BoomerangTravellersPortugalBoomerangTravellers
    Aqueduct in Elves
    High and very longPerspectiveNossa Senhora da Graca fortImpenetrable military fort.View from Governors homeTunnels once entered are rather a labyrinthSoldiers family quartersAt the base of MonsantoStarting our ascentBoulder entranceHomes built under the natural bouldersEvery way leads upAnimal shelters also under boulders.Certainly well hidden amongst the landscapeStill climbingView from the entrance to the castleYeah, didn't think I'd make it!But still more stepsDrone shot of castle ruins, can you spot us?PigpenBasic homesGardens in between homesSpilling over the bouldersThe awarded silver rooster

    Elves & Monsanto

    June 4, 2025 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C

    Elves impresses with an aqueduct 4 arches high
    Stretching 18kms carrying essential water supply.
    This lesser known town felt eerily Covid like empty
    Yet wandering the cemetery there’s graves aplenty.

    Nossa Senhora da Graca is an amazing pentagonal fort
    Ingeniously engineered and every invasion did thwart.
    It’s extensive footprint gave us so much to explore
    From the Governor’s house down to the armoury store.

    Monsanto developed on a hill of granite stone
    Uniquely building under boulders for it’s homes.
    This ‘most Portuguese village’ awarded a silver rooster
    Completing the uphill slog was an endorphin booster.

    It’s medieval fortress important being so close to Spain
    Interest rekindled due to ’House of Dragon’ film fame.
    Trekked down, knees a wobble needed a seat
    Gladly purchased a cool drink and a bite to eat.    Read more