Busaco National Forest & Luso

First settled by Benedictine Monks (apparently they were specifically barefooted monks) in the 16th Century, Busaco National Forest has over 250 acres of land that has hundreds of different of types of trees and plant life. Celebrating its centenial this year, the famous Battle of Busaco occured in 1810, when thousands of French troops attacked both British and Portuguese soldiers here, an unsuccessful attempt of Napoleons to control the Iberian Peninsula. After monasteries were abolished in the mid 1800's, the royal family commissioned a Italian opera scene/architect to design the Busaco Palace, as seen below. It has since been made into a hotel.

Part of the Monastary and the chapel, below. It was lined with cork to keep warm in the winter.

Nearby is the town of Luso. It is famous for its mineral waters, and spas.

  Proof that I am eating well:)