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position, and is of considerable strength; from its ramparts some good views may be enjoyed.

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Nothing in Portugal exceeds in beauty the everchanging scenery of this valley, which, to be enjoyed in perfection, should be wandered over in the direction of west to east, so that the traveller leaving Vianna not earlier than twelve o'clock, in the spring, may see the rays of the sun falling upon the mountains during the greater part of this ramble. It is believed that the Romans applied to this valley the epithet of the "elysian fields," as they gradually crept into the plains of this romantic river. Link states that no traveller could 66 undelighted explore this province, or these charming scenes, which, amid the beauties of a warm climate, afford all the refreshment of the north;" adding, that "the Roman troops refused to follow their commander, being unwilling to quit this happy country," calling the Lima the "river of oblivion."

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The ride to Barcellos is agreeable, and a delightful view can be had from the Nossa Senhora de Franqueira, situated on a hill on the left of the road from Oporto, and distant about a league from Barcellos.

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This journey can easily be taken in one day. The position of Amarante is striking. Link was in raptures with it, and said that it well deserved "its charming name of Amarante." Its neighbourhood is "uncommonly pleasant," abounding in oaks, chestnuts, fig, and cork trees; but especially

in admirable peach trees. The bridge over the Tamega has witnessed many a conflict in the different wars, foreign and domestic, with which Portugal has been so often afflicted.

No. 13.

AMARANTE TO VILLA REAL AND PEZO DA REGOA, PASSING THROUGH THE MARÃO MOUNTAIN.

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In going to Villa Real, through Ovelha and Campean, the summit of the Marão can easily be ascended, the view from which is very extensive. From that part of the mountain which is called

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"Cabriz" there is a waterfall, which is much admired by the mountaineers; it is not far from the high road to Villa Real, at about three leagues' distance from Amarante. Link's account of this mountain is interesting, but not quite correct as to its comparative height, he considering it to be higher than the Gerez range.

The mountain pass, between Amarante and Mezão Frio, by way of Quintella, is considered by some to be "singularly beautiful," and undoubtedly it ought to be traversed by all admirers of grand scenery; the "towering line" of the Marão running to the left. The view from the inn at Quintella will not soon be forgotten.

Lamego is an old city, with a cathedral of but few pretensions to beauty. At the back of a house in one of the streets is a large ancient bath, with arched roof, which merits the attention of the antiquarian. The Cortes of 1144 was held in this city, when the election of Alphonso the First was confirmed, and laws were passed for determining the government of the nation. There are some ruins of an old Moorish castle near Lamego.

ROUTE 15.] LAMEGO TO ST. JOAO DE PESQUEIRA. 51

No. 15.

FROM LAMEGO TO ST. JOÃO DE PESQUEIRA.

A day's journey through

Sande.

Valdigem.

Sta. Euphemia.

Folgozo.

Casaes.

Ervedosa.

S. João de Pesqueira.

A day's journey through scenery of every variety. From Pesqueira it is a short distance to S. Salvador del Mundo, and to the splendid rocks hemming in the Douro at Ponto do Cachão.

From Pesqueira to Barca d'Alva

through Nomão and Foscoa

8 leagues.

Or to Moncorvo, and from thence to Freixo d' Espada a Cinta, a very agreeable journey, if the traveller would visit the very wild part of the Douro, one league above the Salto de Sardinha.

From Barca d'Alva, in a boat to Oporto, there being boats of a very large size, which are continually descending the Douro from that place. One night staying at Pezo; but to those who wish to be only one day on the river, the short ride from Lamego to Pezo will be agreeable; and they can go thence to Oporto, where they will arrive in eight,

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