Tag: active lifestyle

Santuário

Jyri Manninen | Kajura


After having arrived in Guimarães in the early afternoon, the manager at my hostel suggested that I also go and visit Penha Mountain, in addition to sightseeing around the city, and what a great recommendation that ended up being, as the place was absolutely amazing!

Monte da Penha is the highest point in the urban area of Guimarães, and the easiest and most scenic access to reach the summit, which is at an altitude of 586 metres, is to take the teleférico, or cable car, from the south-east edge of the city. Thanks to its natural characteristics, Penha Mountain is one of the major tourist attractions in Guimarães. It is famous for its unique natural landscapes, which are punctuated by rich flora, caves and several granite outcrops, which provided shelters for acts of celebration during the Chalcolithic and Bronze Ages. The abundant archaeological remains collected in these natural cavities are made up of ceramic fragments, as well as various types of lithic and metallic objects, which can now be viewed at the Museu da Sociedade Martins Sarmento in the city. 

One of the most important sites on the mountain is the Penha Sanctuary or Santuário da Penha. This sanctuary is a very important pilgrimage centre, which is visited by scores of pilgrims and tourists alike, especially during the summer months.

The storms of life rage.
Chaotic, manic motion.
Yet thine eye be calm.

‘Santuário’ by Jyri Manninen


I’ll conclude by saying that Penha is just an amazing place to relax and re-energise by going for casual, mindful nature walks, or just simply sitting in silence. Being graced with the majestic views from the Miradouro Penha, which can even extend as far as the Atlantic ocean, certainly adds to the beauty and depth of the experience.

Bênçãos e graça para você.
Jyri

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