How to get to Luso – Bucaco Portugal by train
The Bussaco Palace is like an authentic royal fairy tale castle in the middle of an enchanted forest. Converted into a deluxe hotel in 1917, it’s the place to stay for those interested in Portuguese history and architecture, with lavish decorative Manueline-Gothic features throughout.
Bussaco Forest is an ancient, walled arboretum with one of Europe’s finest dendrological collections. A great deal of it was planted by monks who were devoted to the preservation of the plant life in this area, especially the giant Mexican cedars brought back from far-flung voyages by Portuguese explorers.
While most of the original monastery has been replaced by the Palace Hotel, there are still a number of monastic relics to see and explore for a nominal entrance fee. From the azulejos painted with scenes of Napoleon’s battle with the Duke of Wellington at the ‘Portas da Rainha/ Queen’s Gates’ to 16th century blue and yellow tiled altars with religious paintings on the walls, there’s plenty to discover at this former convent.
The best way to visit the Bussaco Forest is to drive, but if you don’t have a car, buses from Coimbra and Viseu make a detour into the park, and five per day (three on Sunday) leave from near Coimbra – Campanha for a one-hour trip; tickets cost $5 (EUR4) one-way on Omio.
