Apexphotos Landscape Collection Gallery

Dam on the Douro River, Portugal_bw

Douro, Portugal - 11 April 2014

Dam and red boat on the Douro River of Portugal.

The scenic Douro Valley, which runs from the Atlantic coast at Porto all the way into Central Spain, was the first designated wine region in the world. Its vinhateiro (winegrowing) area, devoted to vineyards from Roman times, has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The pretty rolling hills by the Douro river are covered by terraced vineyards in whitewashed quintas (wine estates); the wine, Muscatel, Port and Madeira they produce was traditionally shipped down the river to Porto - and the world beyond - by traditional flat-bottomed rabelo boats.

During the 1950s and 60s, however, a series of locks and dams - including thois one - was constructed on the river to improve navigability. Paradoxically, this stopped the traditional transport of wine down the river by these old boats. This is now done, rather less glamorously, by tankers. Oh dear

© Jon Bower at Apexphotos

The Bell Tower of Salamanca Cathedral

Salamanca, Spain - 13 April 2017

Salamanca is an ancient city in northwestern Spain; it is also the capital of the province of Salamanca in Castile and Leon. Its Old City was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. Founded in pre-Roman times over 2000 years ago, it now houses one of Spain's most important universities, as well as many distinguished churches, places of pilgrimage, convents and historic buildings.

Work started on Salamanca's Cathedral in the 12th century, but it was not completed - in Romanesque and Gothic style until the 14th century. It is dedicated to Saint Mary of the See. A warning to tourists- it is not open in Easter Week

© Jon Bower at Apexphotos

Endless steps to the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos RemA dios in Lamego, with war memorial

Lamego, Portugal - 15 March 2017
Lamego is a pretty historic town in North Portugal's scenic Douro Valley. Its long history dates back to pre-Roman times. Its most important landmark is the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos RemA©dios - Our Lady of Remedies: this major pilgrimage site is located at the top of the hill of St. Stephen, which overlooks the town centre.
Built in 1750, an imposing staircase of 686 steps leads from the town to the church at the top of the hill. This is adorned by beautiful tiled murals and artworks. Ascent of the staircase not recommended; going down is just fine, though - so guess what I did?
Here we also see a rather uglier fascist-era war memorial in the street below