Bucaco Palace - The Final Stop in Coimbra 🏰
💰 Now a Hotel Worth Experiencing The Bucaco Palace now operates as a hotel, with prices around €150-200 per night - absolutely worth the splurge for history lovers and architecture enthusiasts alike. The only downside? It's located on a hilltop, making it somewhat inconvenient if you don't have your own transportation. But fear not - driving or booking a private transfer makes it easily accessible. 🚗 🏛️ A Storied Past This magnificent building has worn many hats over the centuries: 1628: Originally founded as a Carthusian monastery 1885: Transformed into a hunting lodge for Portugal's last king 1888-1907: Underwent stunning renovations by Italian architect Luigi Manini 1917: Opened as a luxury hotel to the public 🎨 Architectural Marvel The palace showcases the Neo-Manueline style, blending: ✨ Gothic elements 🎨 Renaissance influences 🏰 Moorish decorative touches Its design draws inspiration from two Portuguese icons: the Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery. 🖼️ Exquisite Interiors Step inside to discover: Intricately carved staircases and columns Stunning mosaic ceilings Grand oil paintings Traditional Portuguese azulejo tiles Art collections spanning the 18th century to Art Nouveau ☁️ A Slightly Cloudy Visit Unfortunately, our visit was during an overcast day, which meant we couldn't fully capture the palace's breathtaking beauty in photos. But even in gray skies, the magic of this place shines through. 📸 #HistoricalSites #TimelessArchitecture #PalaceLife #CoimbraHighlights #PortugueseHeritage #TravelPhotography #BucacoMagic
