Guimarães & Braga
Guimarães claims it is the birthplace of Portugal's first king, Afonso Henriques. It is said that in this city he proclaimed himself king Afonso I in 1139 after defeating the Moors, making the city the birthplace of a nation. Close by is the city of Braga, the original archdiocese for the country in the twelfth century.
In a visit to Braga, Pedro is reminded of his father’s ruthless protection of the family’s security. And the Archbishop makes appearances in several scenes. This garden courtyard of the current arch-episcopal palace in Braga could well have been a setting where Pedro walked (though that is pure speculation):
In life and the novel, Queen Beatriz worked to restore a semblance of peace between her husband, King Afonso IV, and her son, Pedro. We set the scene for the critical meeting in the Castelo de Guimarães.
On a city square in Guimarães you’ll find the Nossa Senhora de Oliveira, a shrine with a legend. Today there is a cross set in the open-air building pictured to the right. The legend says an olive tree was planted here to supply oil for lamps in a nearby church in the 14th century. The olive tree died, leading a local noble to plant a cross and the tree revived. This is a story that was current news in Pedro’s day.
When we think of monks, we often picture austere cells that are small with maybe a
hard bed and a cross on the wall. Back in
medieval times younger sons of noble and
wealthy families were promised to the church.
These wealthy men did not live in mean estate. To get a sense of the luxury, visit – better yet
stay and dine – at the Pousada de São
Bartolomeu. We did and it is wonderful.
The top dish is Buck and the lower pan
is Boar, both delicious with a
local red wine!
Back to the novel – when Pedro comes
to meet with his father, we have him stay
here for it is fit for a royal prince.
