Tag: active lifestyle

Castelo

Jyri Manninen | Kajura


With the Peneda-Geres National Park crossing behind me, I now had my sights set on the historic city of Guimarães, which was just a little less than 50km away. However, I’d have another rather tough climb to start the day, as I exited Geres to reach the high plateau starting at the 11km mark, but just like the day before, the spectacular views would make it all more than worthwhile.

After my usual morning coffee and cerveja break, which today was in Póvoa de Lanhoso, I decided to push the second half of the day’s ride hard, so that I could reach Guimarães around lunchtime, leaving me the entire afternoon to explore the city on foot. Soon enough, I’d arrived at my accommodation for the night, the very welcoming Guimarães Living Hostel. Then, after a quick clean up and snack, I was off!

Over these stone walls,
a heart of gold, therein lies.
Dare you climb to see?

‘Castelo’ by Jyri Manninen


Apart from just being happy to admire the amazing historic architecture, for me, the highlight of my walking tour was visiting the Castelo de Guimarães. The Countess Mumadona Dias ordered the construction of the castle in the mid 10th century, and it’s closely associated with the Counts of Portucale, and it’s related to some symbolic moments in Portugal’s path to Independence, such as the Siege of Guimarães in 1127, as well as the the Battle of São Mamede, which was fought nearby on the 24th June, the following year.


Fortunately, I also had enough time to visit the hilltop Santuário de Penha, which I reached by cable car. That was an amazing excursion on its own, and so I’ll be posting a separate addendum, which will include images and more details about this magical and tranquil place, especially due to its unique microclimate and flora. It truly was the perfect sanctuary to escape the hustle and bustle of all the tourism and everyday life below in the city.

Be blessed,
Jyri

Aurajoki Bicycle Tour – part 3

Jyri Manninen | Kajura


I started the third and final part of my Aurajoki Bicycle Tour from Halistenkoski dam. Unlike the first two videos, which included lots of commentary on Turku’s key tourist sites, such as the Turku Castle and Cathedral, this last relaxing 5km roll back to the central sports park along the riverside pathway on the northern bank of the Aura river, only takes in one more significant location, Koroistenniemi. It is said that Koroistenniemi was actually the location of the old Turku back in the 12th century, and Finland’s earliest administrative centre for the church, Before that, it was already functioning as a significant village and marketplace, the perfect location as traders with boats could not go any further upstream past Halistenkoski. There was also a church and graveyard, but all that remains now are some stone foundations and a commemorative cross and plaque.  

Anyway, I hope you enjoy(ed) the scenery from the banks of Aurajoki, with more views of the Turku Cathedral as I re-enter the city centre, as well as experiencing the chill vibe of life as people move along the Auraranta boulevarde. Summer in Turku is absolutely amazing, and I welcome you to visit my hometown to see it all too, in person!

Be blessed,
Jyri

Aurajoki Bicycle Tour – part 2

Jyri Manninen | Kajura


After getting off the Föri Ferry at the end of part 1, I continued my Aurajoki bicycle tour by heading towards Turku’s main market square. As I approached the market square, I passed by the city’s centrally located Hansa Shopping Centre, as I rolled down the adjacent pedestrian mall.

After crossing over Aurjoki again, this time via the Kirjastosilta (Library Bridge), I climbed up the Vartiovuori hill to visit the old observatory. I did this as a large loop, which brought me back for a reverse crossing of the same pedestrian bridge. From there, it was just a short roll to the take in the majestic Turku Cathedral, which is arguably considered to be the number one landmark in Turku.

As I left the cathedral behind, I gradually worked my way uphill to the most central point of the University of Turku, the Feeniks (Fenix) Library, which is located at the very top of Yliopistonmäki (University Hill). After a brief moment to enjoy the quiteness there, I (carefully!) worked my way down to the river once again through the university precinct. Once at the riverside, there was only a further 2km to ride along the well established bicycle path that follows the Aurajoki all the way to my turning point at Halistenkoski dam, which would also mark the end of part 2 of my tour. At the Halistenkoski dam, the Aura River descends the final 7 metres to reach the level it is at the city centre, and it’s very popular with kayakers and fishermen; and is otherwise a rather nice and quiet spot for a picnic.

I hope you enjoy this second narrated video showcasing more of my hometown’s main attractions. See you again in part 3, to complete the tour!

Be blessed,
Jyri