Dom Pedro Golf Vilamoura on the south coast of Portugal is renovating its Old course
with work expected to be complete by the end of August
The Algarve resort is refining greens and fairways; grassing and levelling tees
with some reorientated; addressing lips and slopes of bunkers
with new sand added; better defining playing areas; and introducing a new sprinkler system
“The renovations of the Old course align with the long-term vision of enhancing quality
sophistication and an effortless guest experience,” said Nuno Sepúlveda
the management platform which oversees all Vilamoura’s golfing assets
“These improvements specifically target maintaining high standards in golfing facilities and service and reinforcing Vilamoura’s image as a premier golf destination
“The renovations are meticulously planned to respect its classic design and rich heritage
while still introducing improvements that enhance the overall golfing experience
By carefully balancing the old with the new
the renovation ensures that the course remains a cherished destination for golfers.”
The resort is also installing modern technology at its driving range and a new clubhouse is set to open in November
which is currently part of the Dom Pedro Collection and managed by DETAILS
is to undergo a major renovation and be rebranded under the Hyatt Regency brand
An affiliate of DETAILS has entered into a franchise agreement with an affiliate of Hyatt Hotels Corporation
under which the hotel is set to become a Hyatt Regency in 2026
located 20 minutes from Faro International airport in Vilamoura
will undergo a dramatic design overhaul of the existing lobby
becoming the latest in an array of major improvements across the resort which is managed by DETAILS
The plans for the anticipated Hyatt Regency hotel include a refreshed lobby area with an upgraded check-in experience and new central bar; completely redesigned restaurant facilities with live cooking stations
BBQ pit; refurbished octagonal bar on the terrace
The project benefits from the expertise of THDP Design
as well as Streetsense for the repositioning of all F&B outlets
The first phase of the improvement works is scheduled to run until the end of summer 2025 with plans for the hotel to be fully rebranded as a Hyatt Regency by summer 2026.
The arrival of the Hyatt Regency brand will continue to elevate the standard of accommodation in the region
bringing a globally recognised level of quality and service to the Algarve
and reinforcing Vilamoura’s status as a premier destination for both domestic and international visitors
high-profile market leader like Hyatt enhances the perception of Vilamoura as a must-visit destination in Portugal and Europe
This rebranding will undoubtedly bring a distinctive and refined element to our stunning portfolio
reflecting the high standards that the brand represents
“This is an exciting project that will add value to the entire region by attracting audiences who are loyal to the brand
incorporation of valuable insights and the prime location will make this accommodation the perfect combination for our guests.”
Regional Vice President Development Europe at Hyatt
said: “This exciting project showcases the flexibility and comprehensive support we provide to owners pursuing a conversion
We are committed to collaborating closely with the owner and DETAILS throughout the extensive renovations leading to the rebranding
The project also aligns seamlessly with our expanded leisure strategy and strengthens our leadership in the resort segment across Europe
We are also excited to continue expanding in Portugal and across Iberia.”
Following the news of the theft of over £2 million of stock from its Manchester warehouse last weekend
Worldwide Golf Brands reports that the business is 'back up and running'
with minimal disruption to the vast majority of its customers
the business growth agency for UK and Irish golf clubs
has launched a new marketing system that has delivered rapid advances in the service they deliver
Brocket Hall has announced that world-renowned putting coach Phil Kenyon is to open a new state-of-the-art putting studio at the Hertfordshire-based venue
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The Dom Pedro Golf Vilamoura resort is set to undertake an extensive range of renovations to its iconic Old Course which will bring the course up to date with some of the best golfing destinations in Europe.
A state-of-the-art new clubhouse is also set to open on this iconic par-72 track alongside several on-course refurbishments.
Designed by legendary British journalist Frank Pennick and first opened in 1968, the Old Course is the second-oldest course in the Algarve and is known as the 'Grande Dame' of Portugal's world-renowned golf courses.
The resort is situated just a 20-minute drive from Faro airport and was recently crowned the 2024 IAGTO Portugal Golf Resort of the Year.
Several on-course renovations are also set to be completed on the Old Course with a view to improve the resort's sustainability.
The renovations will include the introduction of new sprinkler systems and the addition of water-resistant grass varieties - which will help to reduce the consumption of water.
Maintenance will also be conducted on the greens and fairways that wind their way around the 6,254-yard course with a view to changing the overall appearance of the to create 'more definition' between playing areas and the landscapes that surround the course, which consist of several plantings of pine trees.
The hope is the work will help to improve the amount of sunlight that is able to reach the greens and fairways, while plans are also in place to sharpen bunkers with new lips, improve tee boxes and plant Bermuda grass.
The resort will now also use fully electronic machinery to care and maintain the grounds.
Patrons will also be able t update a totally revamped clubhouse, with renovations set to revamp the clubhouse's entrance, the golf shop and communal areas.
The restaurant, bar and terrace area will also be refurbished with the Dom Pedro resort stating that the changes will 'give the clubhouse a classic and elegant look and feel that compliments the overall legacy of the course.'
Nuno Sepulveda, co-CEO of DETAILS - a sports and hospitality platform which manages multiple tourist attractions and assets in Portugal, including the Dom Pedro resort - stated that the new renovations will align with the course's heritage but modernise the resort to enhance the experience of guests.
'The renovations of the Old Course align with the long-term vision of enhancing quality, sophistication, and an effortless guest experience,' Mr Sepulveda said.
'These improvements specifically target maintaining high standards in golfing facilities and service and reinforcing Vilamoura's image as a premier golf destination.
'The renovations are meticulously planned to respect its classic design and rich heritage, while still introducing improvements that enhance the overall golfing experience. By carefully balancing the old with the new, the renovation ensures that the course remains a cherished destination for golfers.'
The Dom Pedro resort states that the improvements being made will have minimal impact on the enjoyment of visiting golfers and are expected to be completed by the end of August.
The Dom Pedro Resort in Portugal will undergo several refubishmentsCommenting on this article has endedNewest{{#isModerationStatus}}{{moderationStatus}}
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The Beaver County native will showcase her indie music − she calls it "cowgirl folk & sad gal's blues" − on a tour that visits New York's sold-out Sultan Room this weekend
and then two Chicago shows (one already a sellout)
Autumn is the opening act for Oregon indie-folk band Blind Pilot on a tour heading as far as St
getting as close to here as the Grog Shop in Cleveland on July 26
later relocating to Zelienople," Autumn said via email
Having professionally dropped her legal name “Mignanelli” a decade ago
opting for a stage name that's an ode to the harvest season
Autumn now dwells in Nashville and recently finished a West Coast run of shows
One of the featured artists in the Pittsburgh Plays Fleetwood Mac concerts in 2021 at Thunderbird Music Hall
Instagram stories (@roseofappalachia) and official YouTube page offer a fun and fascinating glimpse of an artist steadily building the buzz for her music
Aliquippa rapper Messiah of Madness released a four-song EP
"You Already Know," that's drawn attention from online hip-hop sites
the EP's artwork features a photo of the former Pyramid Bar
a popular gathering spot on Fifth and Jefferson streets in Aliquippa between 1967 and 1994
"This is undoubtedly my best work to date," Messiah of Madness said in an email
disrespectful and homicidal with his words ..
his producer alter-ego Tone Fultz (who produces three of the four tracks on this release) is equally adept at creating the type of raucous instrumentals that made Wu-Tang and Mobb Deep touchstones of the 1990s."
Boom Bap Nation and Hip Hop Since 1987 point out another new Messiah of Madness track
“Crown Royal Bag,” is produced by Big Jerm
the Pittsburgh producer who helmed hits for superstars Wiz Khalifa
More: Beaver Falls' Vanesa Campagna co-wrote song in acclaimed Celine Dion documentary
'Pretty as Pittsburgh'Brooklyn indie-rock band The Damnwells have released a new single “Pretty as Pittsburgh."
Singer Alex Dezen explains: "Pittsburgh has always been a special place to me
Maybe because my sister went to college there
and I always loved coming to visit her and hanging out with her cool friends
and the underground music scene in Pittsburgh was thriving with eclectic rock bands: loud
guitar-driven angular music that would become the foundation of the aesthetic 'indie rock' movement."
who co-wrote "Take You" from Justin Bieber's 2012 chart-topping album
said the Damnwells' earliest tours always included Pittsburgh stops
for which he'd nostalgically visit Squirrel Hill to shop at the iconic Jerry's Records
I stuck a Damnwells sticker to the front door of Jerry’s on a tour in the early aughts," Dezen said
it’s Pittsburgh’s dazzling beauty and history that has always struck me
intersecting below towering hills of trees and rocky palisades
Heir to steel magnates like Andrew Carnegie and Henry Frick
Pittsburgh also heralded the birth of the labor movement
and bred with it a fierce and enduring pride across generations and cultures
And as with any center of industry − both because of and despite of it − a great art movement has also thrived
like the meeting of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers to form the Ohio
Name-dropping Pittsburgh area spots like Carrick
"Pretty as Pittsburgh" is getting airtime on stations like 91.3-WYEP and The Beaver 95.7
More: The Clarks announce Bridgewater show... it's on a Saturday, a Saturday, a Saturday...
Emerging Pittsburgh indie-folk-rock artist Merce Lemon this past Tuesday released "Backyard Lover," the first single off her "Watch Me Drive Them Dogs Wild" album due Sept
Hailed as an honest exploration of confused
with a blazing guitar solo popping up unexpectedly three-and-a-half-minutes in
"Backyard Lover" is the second track off Lemon's first album since 2020
a collection of songs born from a period of reconnecting with community and nature
“I got dirty and slept outside most of the summer," Lemon said in a press release
In April she released the album's first single
"Will You Do Me a Kindness," which earned praise from tastemakers Stereogum
18 at Bottlerocket Social Hall in Pittsburgh's Allentown neighborhood
Ellwood resident works on movie setHannah Mros of Ellwood City is serving as the hair and makeup artist for "The Haunting of Prince Dom Pedro," a mystery/comedy/supernatural indie feature film in production the rest of this month in Allegheny and Butler counties
Mros previously served as a hair and makeup artist for the short film "I Swiped The Wrong One,"
Filmmaker Joe Fishel made three short films − "I Swiped the Wrong One," "Bigfoot Unleashed
Part VII" and "Winner Takes All: Royal Flush" − all of which will be weaved into "The Haunting of Prince Dom Pedro."
I'd like to think somewhere that someone at Lifetime Movies is wondering how Fishel beat them to the punch with a movie titled "I Swiped the Wrong One."
GolfMagic visited Vilamoura to sample the stunning golf and hospitality offered by Dom Pedro Hotels and Golf Collection
Dom Pedro Pinhal Amongst the golfing fraternity
correctly identified a potential future market for golf resorts in southern Portugal
when the golfing folk of northern Europe were playing winter greens and preferred lies in near darkness.
Portugal developed luxury hotels with big name signature golf courses and hosted European Tour events
The Algarve promoted itself so skilfully that it probably holds the crown as the most popular winter golfing destination
Credit must go to the late Sir Henry Cotton
He tirelessly promoted golf in the Algarve for many years
He could often be seen holding court on the practice tee
telling all and sundry that their hands were too weak to play the game well
the Algarve understands the needs of touring golfers
rightfully catering to the mid to high end of the golfing market
a healthy choice of quality cuisine and proximity to all these facilities constitute a winning formula
Efficient transfers are also important from hotels to courses
Dom Pedro Vilamoura The Dom Pedro golf courses and hotels are major players in the Algarve
One factor in this need for upgrading is the volume of play
up to two hundred golfers may make their way around each of the Dom Pedro courses
Golf must also adapt to environmental concerns and the perennial demand for water
so the market continues to evolve and adapt
the Head Superintendent in charge of all five courses revealed that there are an average of fifteen greenskeepers per course
which is a significant and generous number
The excellent condition of all of the courses reflects this commitment to quality
Our first taste of golf in the Algarve commenced on a fine sunny day
pitting our wits against the Dom Pedro Pinhal course
The Golf Architect Frank Pennick laid out the course in 1976
and it was later remodelled by Robert Trent Jones in 1985
often lining both sides of the gently undulating fairways.
their long winding trunks topped with a dense evergreen umbrella-shaped canopy
often dictating the strategy of how a hole must be played.
We saw two balls completely gobbled up in the canopies
Forget the “trees are 90% air” nonsense. When you do get amongst them
and you will have to be able to play it from a bed of pine needles
what will challenge you is the size of the greens
The tenth green takes the biscuit as the narrowest green we have ever played
but it is guarded on the right by a bunker
We played a lot of golfing ping pong from side to side
Dom Pedro 5th Hole The condition of the course was first class
Pinhal is the only one played entirely upon Bermuda grass
One factor behind seeding the course with Bermuda grass is that it requires less water - 50% less than the other courses
Dom Pedro Pinhal got a big vote from us in all respects
The rack rate green fee for Dom Pedro Pinhal is 120 euros
Dom Pedro Old Course 6th Hole The Dom Pedro Old Course at Vilamoura is fondly referred to as the Grand Dame of Algarve
and later remodelled by Martin Hawtree in 1996
We played the course off the members tees at 6400 yards
it also winds its way through impressive Umbrella Pines.
The Dom Pedro Old Course is rated higher than Pinhal
The fitting of satnav screens to the buggies definitely adds to the golfing experience
plus the shining pyramids of courtesy balls on the range make you feel valued
Dome Pedro Old Course 1st Hole Of all the holes in the Algarve
short par four is played through a narrow corridor of magnificent pines
it resembles a Plantation house of the early 1900s
Dom Pedro Old Course Our only beef with the Dom Pedro Old Course is the practice putting green
that when you arrive at the first green
for the pleasure of playing the Old Course
we visited the Dom Pedro Laguna and Dom Pedro Millennium courses
where we were able to play nine holes on each
Both courses are served by the same clubhouse
The rack rate green fee for each course is 120 euros
Dome Pedro Millenium 13th Hole The Dom Pedro Laguna and Dom Pedro Millennium offer up a more forgiving challenge than their older counterparts
with wide fairways and generous allowances
The term “Resort course” can sound derogatory
but both the Laguna and Millennium courses have plenty to offer
Holes 14 and 15 on the Laguna course will stick in the memory
as a touch of heroism is required in order to avoid a watery grave
But in general they will build your confidence
Dome Pedro Laguna And what of Dom Pedro Victoria
in many ways the flagship course of Dom Pedro
we cannot reveal what Details have planned
other than to say it will be an Algarvian sensation
All will be revealed later in the year. Details is committed to upgrading
renovating and repositioning both the Dom Pedro Hotels and Golf Collection
and its commitment is reflected in this forthcoming project
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enjoy a feast of Portuguese jazz at the Dom Pedro V Theatre
The Cultural Affairs Bureau proudly presents Jazz Up for Christmas at Dom Pedro V Theatre
offering a dazzling night that combines jazz music
and Portuguese culture to China's first Western-style theatre
Portuguese jazz maestro Zé Eduardo will lead the Jazz Mission Big Band to perform in Macao
joined by talented vocalists Marta Garrett and Sofia Rodrigues
presenting a series of meticulously arranged classic jazz pieces and Christmas carols
This star-studded jazz big band will offer audiences a magnificent and powerful musical experience
including collaborative performances with local singers Amanda Chan and Elisa Chan
showcasing the deep cultural connections between Macao and Portuguese-speaking countries
Savor a free Portuguese and Christmas cocktail reception Before the concert
the theatre’s porch will feature a cocktail reception hosted by a renowned chef specializing in Portuguese cuisine
Participants can enjoy unique Portuguese and Christmas-themed delicacies and drinks for free under the enchanting Christmas lights and the neoclassical UNESCO heritage architecture
24 and 25 December 2024 Time: Cocktail Reception 7pm-8pm / Concert 8pm-9:30pm Venue: Dom Pedro V Theatre Organizers: Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao Special Administrative Region Government Performing Artists: Zé Eduardo and Jazz Mission Big Band (Portugal)
Zé Eduardo and the Jazz Mission Big Band The Jazz Mission Big Band
consists of top jazz musicians from Portugal and across Europe
Zé Eduardo is a well-known figure in the Portuguese jazz scene
He has founded several music schools and conducted multiple European orchestras
making significant contributions to the promotion and education of jazz
Many of today’s leading European jazz musicians have studies under him
including the band member and internationally acclaimed saxophonist Perico Sambeat
having performed at the first Macau Jazz Fest in 1979
he has continued to visit Macao to promote and teach jazz
nurturing many talented jazz musicians in the region
Marta Garrett Jazz singer-songwriter Marta Garrett hails from Lisbon and is a passionate enthusiast of jam sessions
she graduated from a classical music school but developed a strong interest in jazz
leading her to study the genre in Portugal and the Netherlands
she began performing in cities such as Lisbon
Sofia Rodrigues Sofia Rodrigues is an emerging jazz singer from Portugal
possessing a unique contralto voice that is warm and rich
reminiscent of jazz legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan
Sofia’s musical creativity and talent shine through in her improvisational singing
and each performance is a modern tribute to the golden age of jazz
Regular Price MOP250 (free seating) *Enjoy a free Portuguese Christmas cocktail reception on the theatre’s porch from 7pm to 8pm
Ticketing Tickets are simultaneously available through the Macau Ticketing Network
telephone and online booking from 10am on 1 December 2024 (Sunday)
20% discount Holders of a valid Macao Resident Identity Card
Macao Senior Citizen Card and Macao Disability Assessment Registration Card are entitled to 20% discount when purchasing tickets online and at the outlets
Each cardholder can only use one discounted ticket per performance
Cardholders are required to present the respective identity document for admission
otherwise full ticket fare will be charged
ENQUIRIES Telephone: (853) 8399 6818 / (853) 8399 6835 (during office hours) Website: www.icm.gov.mo
More details
Jazz Up for Christmas at Dom Pedro V Theatre
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All information on this site is based on the official language of the Macao Special Administrative Region
The English version is the translation from the Chinese originals and is provided for reference only
If you find that some of the contents do not have an English version
please refer to the Traditional Chinese or Portuguese versions
Vilamoura’s most prestigious golf courses have unveiled a new identity to showcase the rich history and premium offerings of one of Europe’s top golf and leisure destinations
‘Vilamoura Golf‘ represents an unparalled collection of courses that have been rebranded from Dom Pedro
the second oldest course in the Algarve and a hallmark of the region’s golf heritage
offering golfers a diverse range of high quality layouts to choose from
The new brand is linked to the overarching *Vilamoura brand
connecting the golf courses to the destination
which has undergone significant investment in recent times to reposition it and implement Arrow Global’s vision.
elegant logo that draws inspiration from Vilamoura’s destination
It’s sophisticated design balances harmony and distinction
positioning Vilamoura Golf as a world-class offering in the Algarve while enabling the individual courses to emphasize their unique qualities and premium status.
the Old Course celebrated its own refresh in late 2024
introducing a new monogram logo designed to celebrate craftsmanship
New logos have also been introduced for the Pinhal
highlighting their individual characteristics while preserving their connection to the broader Vilamoura brand
“Vilamoura Golf reflects our vision of repositioning these iconic courses to offer an unparalleled golfing experience,” said Nuno Sepúlveda
“Through significant improvements to the courses
we’ve elevated the standard for golfers visiting the Algarve
and the Vilamoura Golf brand embodies this diversity while uniting them under a shared identity of excellence
This rebranding not only honours their rich legacy but also highlights our commitment to innovation
ensuring golfers enjoy world-class experiences that showcase the Algarve as a premier destination for sports and leisure.”
Learn more about this episode in Brazilian history by walking around our city; after all
it was here that Dom Pedro I preferred the famous phrase: "Independence or Death"
you’ll discover the points of the capital that tell a little about this episode that changed the course of the country in 1822
it was on the banks of the Ipiranga stream
that Dom Pedro I declared Brazil’s independence from Portugal
Brazil then became a monarchy and Dom Pedro I became emperor
The “cry” of independence, proclaimed by Dom Pedro I in the Ipiranga region
was portrayed in an idealized way in the immense painting ‘Independência ou Morte’
you can see it in the Salão Nobre of the Ipiranga Museum
the famous painting helped create the myth that Brazil’s Independence occurred in isolation
But it didn’t happen as quickly or immediately as you might think
When he passed through the Ipiranga region
which was the middle of the crossing to the center of the capital
he made the famous declaration of separation
a historian at the City Museum’s Public Training and Development Center
He was making a trip through São Paulo to try to get political support
He was making a trip to calm tempers.”
“We have an idea that there was no war for independence
Maranhão: we had several provinces that rebelled against Portugal
Although we didn’t have a unified war
in general we weren’t that peaceful either,” he added
The story of Brazil’s independence is not easy to explain and it doesn’t end with books or Pedro Américo’s painting
But some of São Paulo’s tourist attractions help us to understand a little more about this episode
The Parque da Independência is an emblematic site in São Paulo
as it was on its banks that Dom Pedro I proclaimed Brazil’s independence on September 7
This park is home to several monuments and museums celebrating this historic milestone
is one of Brazil’s main historical museums
located on the same site as the cry for independence
and houses the famous painting ‘Independência ou Morte’
despite not being a faithful representation of the events
has become an icon of Brazilian nationalism
was inaugurated in 1922 to celebrate the centenary of independence
It contains sculptures representing important moments in Brazilian history and houses the Imperial Crypt
is a mausoleum that strengthens the historical significance of the park and the monument by housing the remains of Dom Pedro I and his wives
reinforcing the symbolism of the place as the birthplace of the nation
although it has no direct historical evidence of the independence event
is a wattle and daub building that symbolizes the simplicity of the time and is linked to the popular narrative of the Ipiranga cry
is an example of 18th century urban housing and is associated with the Marquesa de Santos
providing a connection with the social and cultural history of the independence period
PHOTO12/UNIVERSAL IMAGES GROUP; CORBIS/GETTY
This article is the latest installment of The Long View, AQ‘s look back at forgotten episodes in Latin American history
and the grand opening of the Centennial Exposition celebrating 100 years of American independence
Honored guests Dom Pedro II and Teresa Cristina
had come to the United States to join President Ulysses S
Grant in celebrating the birth of a republic — the sort the monarchs would most certainly not welcome in their own country
The opening of the first World’s Fair to be held in the United States was the highlight of a trip that became known in Brazil largely as the time Dom Pedro tested Alexander Graham Bell’s latest invention
Delighted to see that the gadget “actually spoke,” the emperor pledged to buy one as soon as it was on the market
Dom Pedro II’s travels were extensively documented by the New York Herald
Trailing him all the way from Brazil was reporter James J
whose stories were largely responsible for spreading the image of Dom Pedro as a sympathetic and enlightened “citizen monarch” — while abroad
he insisted on calling himself Pedro de Alcântara
to do more than just project the image of a regular citizen intrigued by the latest scientific developments
World’s Fairs were true spectacles of modernity
as well as de facto trade conventions where participating countries would exhibit their best work in science
Brazil hoped to make a big splash at the Centennial Exposition
hoping to boost sales of its major commodity
A pamphlet prepared for the occasion highlighted the country “as an agricultural region possessing an extremely fertile soil” and Brazilians as “a peaceful
and laborious people.” Dom Pedro was pleased
… Our agricultural exhibit is an amazing sight,” he wrote in a letter to his daughter
Dom Pedro II was included in this depiction of the 1876 Exposition
(Barberis from L’Illustrazione Italiana
Selling coffee was one thing; presenting a positive picture of the country with the largest enslaved population in the Americas
Brazil had been the final destination for half of all enslaved Africans brought across the Atlantic
But Dom Pedro’s representatives tried to paint a brighter picture by describing slavery as “imposed by the force of circumstances,” and “sure to disappear in a few years.” But it would certainly require a great deal of imagination for any spectator at the World’s Fair to believe their assurances that in Brazil
“slaves are humanely treated,” working “moderately
when they receive religious instruction or amuse themselves.”
Did the friendly emperor manage to convince anyone in Philadelphia—slavery having been abolished in the United States just over a decade prior—that Brazil was a modern country
and slavery not a hindrance to doing business there
Did anyone believe the assessment that slaves were “so unprepared to receive their freedom,” that when freed they would choose to stay on plantations as laborers
a Portuguese language newspaper published in New York
Brazilian editor José Carlos Rodrigues concluded that “this nefarious slavery not only prevents emigration to Brazil
but also (prevents) the agricultural industries’ access to foreign capital.” And yet
a “nefarious institution,” there were those who considered Brazil more advanced in race relations than the United States
Another participant at the opening ceremony was Frederick Douglass
But he was almost barred from entering the gallery reserved for guests of honor
senator recognized him and he did join the group
causing the crowd in the gallery to erupt in applause
Douglass had barely taken his seat when the first chords of the Brazilian anthem started to play and applause broke out again—this time for the emperor
Did the “citizen monarch” Pedro de Alcântara even notice Frederick Douglass
the tall African American with long gray hair would have been easily recognizable
or at least did not reference him in his diary or letters
O’Kelly’s articles didn’t mention him either
made the fight against racism in the United States the focus of his work
Yet despite his own words that “no man of color is really free in a slave society,” Douglass expressed his admiration for Brazil more than once
avowing that it was a place where “white people had no disdain toward mixing or associating with blacks.”
Though Dom Pedro II didn’t leave any record of meeting Douglass
he certainly did not fail to spend time with Elizabeth Agassiz
Agassiz who convinced Dom Pedro to visit the United States
a trip that he promised his friend would be a “triumphal march from one end of the country to the other.”
A zoologist and professor at Harvard who had died a few years earlier
Agassiz was a believer in scientific racism
which viewed miscegenation as the main contributor to the decay of the human race
the naturalist also had a special interest in Brazil
But if for Douglass it was a place where “people of color
and scandalous way they are here,” for Agassiz Brazil was the foremost example of the dire consequences of miscegenation
as the day Dom Pedro II missed his chance to meet Frederick Douglass
and with it an opportunity for Brazil to make a truly “decent impression.” As for Douglass
Brazilian racism was not that different from the American version
Grinberg is a professor of Brazilian history at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
Americas Quarterly (AQ) is the premier publication on politics
We are an independent publication of the Americas Society/Council of the Americas
PUBLISHED BY AMERICAS SOCIETY/ COUNCIL OF THE AMERICAS
By Rob Bates | June 13
the inventor of the fantasy cut who was sometimes dubbed the “Picasso of gems,” died on June 6 in Stipshausen
Munsteiner was born into a multigenerational gem-cutting family
and began working as an apprentice at just 14
He later studied at the Pforzheim School of Design
which mandated gems be cut to a strict set of “ideal” parameters
he developed what came to be known as the fantasy cut
which historians now say modernized gem cutting
“The only ideal proportion he acknowledged was the one that freed the natural beauty he saw hiding in the stone,” said the GIA’s website
“Many in the gem and jewelry trade didn’t know what to make of the fantasy cut
But the critics eventually became admirers
and Munsteiner’s pieces ended up in galleries and museums.”
His most notable creation was probably the 10,363 ct
which is considered the world’s largest cut aquamarine
Fashioned from a piece of rough that measured 23.5 inches
the 14-inch tall finished product took Munsteiner 10 months to create
It is now on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Bernd and son Tom spent three years designing agate windows for a local church
“Bernd was a very cheerful person and brought back something he found from every walk to inspire new gemstone designs,” said his daughter-in-law
“Going through life with open eyes was his motto.”
Bernd Munsteiner is survived by Hanne, his wife of nearly 60 years; daughter-in-law Jutta; and grandson Philipp, all of whom work in the family business. He was pre-deceased by his sons Tom, also an accomplished gem cutter, and Jörg
“Philipp will continue the life’s work and legacy of the Munsteiner family, of Tom Munsteiner, and Bernd Munsteiner,” said a post from Atelier Munsteiner on Instagram
and excellence enables us to look to our future with confidence and pride.”
Added Philipp: “Bernd opened the door to the magical world of gemstones for me and Tom
He was the first to change the way gemstones were cut and I am very proud of him and his biggest fan
Bernd looked after me during every phase of my childhood and is therefore my childhood hero
He left a mark in my heart and will remain in my memory forever.”
Top: Bernd Munsteiner (photo courtesy of the Munsteiner family)
By Rob Bates April 30
By Karen Dybis April 30
By Brittany Siminitz April 30
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We rank the best golf courses in the Algarve
starting with the excellent Faro Airport and continuing with the ease with which you can travel from east to west
I’ve enjoyed several trips with my better half there
family holidays to four resorts and a few days with my friends on a couple of occasions
Things have changed since my first trip to the Algarve and the golf holiday scene has developed significantly
But the Algarve remains one of the two key areas in continental Europe for a golf break and this ranking – just as the Andalusia one was last year – is well overdue
The order of the top 10 will be of interest even if the names in the section at the start won’t be a huge surprise
But the prime motivation for creating this ranking is in the middle and end sections
where a lot of names will appear that you’ve seen on golf break websites before and probably wondered just how good they are
If anyone ever questions why we produce rankings
but I do sincerely believe that we are providing a useful reference for golfers deciding on the courses to play on their trip
I’d like to think if you’ve got a choice between two courses at a similar rate and one is No.16 in this list and one No.31
you’ll feel confident in choosing No.16 and expect you’re getting a better course for your money
There are definitely some surprises in this list
which I hope will give you food for thought as you plan a trip to Portugal’s south coast
Helping me create this ranking were: William Murphy
Some panellists have links to courses in the region but their ranking of them was disregarded
(I encouraged them to include their own courses out of curiosity
and they are INCREDIBLY objective – but I still excluded their view)
Each course is judged on the criteria used for all our rankings: design
A fun course with some surprising subtlety in the Balaia Golf Village Resort
The view from the 1st sets you up nicely for a first-class round
A Dave Thomas-designed nine-holer with Atlantic views close to Carvoeiro
this is the most westerly course in the Algarve
A Pepe Gancedo parkland laid out on rolling terrain that is framed by mature woodland and with large water features and changes in elevation
Alto’s elevated tees encourage you to open your shoulders as well as take in the views
but approach with caution – water hazards include a huge lake on the standout par-5 16th
Sits in the foothills of Barrocal on the outskirts of the ancient city of Tavira
Opened in the spring of 2000 with input from Sir Henry Cotton
who died before construction fully began on the project he had helped devise in the mid-’80s
It boasts mountain and sea views from its tranquil location that notably lacks residences
Alamos is a relatively short and tight affair; a strong technical course that is a constant but pleasing challenge
Its greens are relatively small with movement in them
Howard Swan set this course down on a hillside overlooking Lagos and the Atlantic
It has some interesting and varied holes and is very playable
The 7th is a lovely par 4 with an Atlantic backdrop
short 14th and the risk-and-reward 17th are standouts on the road home
It won’t surprise you when this course opened… or
when nine holes were added by Martin Hawtree to join up with nine stolen from the earlier (1990) Laguna course
The first couple of holes and the back nine are on flat land but the run from the 3rd to the 7th lie on more undulating terrain framed by pines and are really
this pretty countryside course lies in a tranquil spot at the foot of the Monchique mountains and is especially welcoming to less proficient golfers
Fruit orchards and small farms surround the course to create a very pleasant experience
Just nine holes here but Pine Cliffs cruises into the top 30 ahead of some 18-holers because its location
makes it an unforgettable experience – not least the iconic par 3
The dark red of the sandstone cliffs contrasts sharply with the immaculate green of the course and the sparkling blue ocean below to glorious effect
Initially designed by Frank Pennink in the 1970s and later revised by Robert Trent Jones Snr
Pinhal travels over undulating ground lined by umbrella pines and featuring a stream and several small ponds
Donald Steel laid out the Championship course here in 1991 among sweet-smelling pines
lakes and streams also add to the pleasure
If it was renovated and upgraded in terms of presentation it would be 10 spots higher
(There is also a very good Academy nine-holer at Vila Sol that is really a third loop of proper golf.)
“A cracking and well-designed course that has been the final qualifying course for the Seniors Tour,” says one panellist
lakes are in play on a handful of holes while the rolling terrain is populated by carob
almond and olive trees – including one 1,200-year-old olive tree
Set in a valley between Portimao and Monchique
with generally wide fairways (though there are some mature trees) that invite you to open your shoulders as the main defence is its greens and bunkers
Russell Talley of European Golf Design did an excellent job on the bunkering here and the second half is really strong
This Seve Ballesteros design has his trademark six par 3s
4s and 5s as well as an S-shaped bunker at the start of the front nine
Water features are a prominent part on the opening half and the 18th delivers a grandstand finish
It is always in good condition – helped by less play than the superstars in the central region – and is a challenge for all as it is often windy
Part of the NAU group along with Morgado and Alamos
One of our Continental Europe Top 100 Resorts
lakes and streams affect the majority of holes – as do sea breezes
Set down on flat land framed by palm trees and with an array of wildlife
Designed in 1990 by Joseph Lee – the US architect who laid out San Lorenzo – initially as 27 holes
Nine went towards neighbouring Dom Pedro course Millennium
It has been totally refurbished with all its fairways restored to their original style
greens now faster and firmer and bunkers completely overhauled
Peter Sauerman designed this relatively new course in an ecological reserve with a varied landscape and water hazards to create an enjoyable test that does not demand too much
He routed the course sympathetically around woodland
Terry Murray designed 18 holes here in 2001 – the Guadiana and Atlantic loops – with the Grouse added seven years later
The younger loop is at least the equal of its sisters
Lakes feature prominently at times and it can feel longer than its yardage as its undulating fairways often lead to elevated greens
Some nice risk-reward moments and the 4th on the Atlantic is superb
The Royal weaves between more of Vale do Lobo’s residential development with holes that are perfectly worthy
it’s just that rather than gazing at the Atlantic you are often gazing into someone’s back garden (albeit usually a very attractive one)
There is a bit of road crossing to be done too
but in holes such as the strong par-4 3rd and the sporty 4th
On the back nine the 15th offers the kind of sensational view enjoyed on its sister
a short par 4 with a terrific view of the ocean from its elevated tee
It begins a stretch sufficiently stellar to secure the Royal’s place in the top 20
Initially designed as a nine-holer in the 1970s by Ron Fream
Gramacho became 18 when former World No.1 Nick Price joined forces with the American to create 18 holes
elevation changes and holes routed among rock outcrops give this undulating course real character and a position some may be surprised about
The Ria offers the visiting golfer breathtaking ocean views – à la Turnberry
Doonbeg or Vale do Lobo – by virtue of several holes’ being laid out on the edge of the beach
It takes its name from the majestic Ria Formosa
the nature reserve that gives San Lorenzo its glory and its reputation
much of the front nine is played in straight lines on fairly flat land lined by semi-mature trees
But then in a run of holes in the middle of the back nine there are moments of rare excitement and beauty
with the ocean shimmering beyond the green or fairways stretched out alongside sandy beaches
Few courses on the continent boast such a site
with so many holes having such beachside views of the sea
Two nines (the Pines and Olives) were created by Ron Fream in the early ’90s and George Santana da Silva added the Corks in the new millennium
comfortably warrants a place alongside the Pines in our list
The Olives is a little less interesting and it is actually hard to believe Corks and not it were added later
The new kid on the block – the first new course in the Algarve in 10 years – and we were given special access to Ombria for some of our panellists so that we could consider it for this ranking
and variety make it a hugely fun and challenging course
Something different for the Algarve – and we are playing it cautiously with this initial placement… we think Ombria has the potential to notably rise
The name hints at what is to look forward to here
The front nine is perfectly enjoyable among mature trees
but it does look rather modest when compared to the second half
you drive up and over a hill and as you march over its summit a fabulous view of a green that looks like it is suspended in the air with just the ocean behind
The sandy beach beyond completes the picture postcard scene
This is played over a valley to another ‘infinity’ green with blue sky beyond a target framed by two ‘sentry’ pines
The 14th offers an even more expansive view of the gleaming ocean beyond; it is as spectacular as it gets on the Algarve
the an oft-photographed short hole played alongside the ocean with the sound of the waves crashing against the sand banks just yards from the tee
Sir Henry had retired to the Algarve after a life in golf that had included three Open titles
but found himself asked to lay out the region’s first course
His legacy is a course that weaves between sun-loving mature trees and colourful flora
whether guarding the front of the 2nd green
It is a stiff enough test to have hosted the Portuguese Open 10 times
A renovation would have it comfortably in the top 10
Many would have the Faldo a couple of places higher but at 7,200 yards and with holm oaks and ancient olive trees waiting to snooker you
the onus is on accuracy as well as distance
It is laid out on undulating land with an especially hilly back nine and has been known to beat up players comprehensively
Cacti and wild herbs line many fairways and there are lots of water hazards punctuating the meandering fairways
Not the most forgiving but a comprehensive
While we find it hard to split the Amendoeira courses in terms of the ranking
it is easy to define them in terms of character and style
this course more readily rewards good play
and a fantastic finishing hole played uphill to the imposing clubhouse
It sits in a valley populated by trees and covered in lush
dense grass that tees your ball up helpfully
The landscape is punctuated by lakes and streams that mean you are always thinking
A strong finale begins on the 16th with a par 5 with a lateral water hazard along both sides
while the 17th – played to a humpback green – is arguably the best of the par 3s
and within a year Stephen Dodd and Bradley Dredge had won the World Cup for Wales here
It was the start of Victoria’s tournament-hosting pedigree
with the Portugal Masters an annual visitor
Victoria is characterised by wide fairways
strong bunkering and water hazards on the impressive back nine
“It is getting better and better as it becomes more mature
through extra tree definition and personality
The ‘third’ course at ‘Lago’ but one good enough to be in the conversation for our Continental Top 100
it has sufficient quality that if it stood on its own it would be high profile
Laranjal twists and turns on a generally more open site than its sisters
but while there is a more airy feel to Laranjal
there is plenty of definition from umbrella pines
“Strategy is absolutely key here and approach shots need to be very precise to find the large
undulating and fast greens,” says one panellist
technically strong course was laid out among orange groves by Rocky Roquemore in 2002
Some may be surprised to see it so high in the ranking
but we have no doubt it deserves this spot
It lacks the sea views of sister Ria but intelligently probes your game with questions of accuracy and strategy
Dog-legs in both directions play a strong part
with mature carob and olive trees ensuring the overly brave or ambitious are punished
It is superbly bunkered both off the tee and around the greens
while ponds and natural creeks are at times a staunch defence
The closing two holes – part of a finishing quartet that are all exceptionally good and compare to many elite courses – are dominated by two lakes that are linked by a stream that cuts through the site and is very much in play on the 4th
“The complete golfer’s challenge,” says one panellist
“A long course from the back tees that demands the total shot-making arsenal you have in your bag
a student of Tom Fazio and now Tiger Woods’ favoured consultant
collaborated really impressively with Paul McGinley on the 2014 renovation of QdL’s North course
The American-Irish alliance have created a beautiful and very playable course
It re-opened in September 2014 after an incredible 10-month turnaround and now offers extensive aesthetic pleasure; in the striking contrast between the lush fairways and dark brown bark that lines them
in the sculpted green complexes and in the serenity of the natural environment
it offers a chance to leave the course with a satisfied smile; Welling and McGinley sought to create a course that pleases rather than punishes
It has been higher in our continental Europe ranking than it is now and with a thorough
After a quiet start it picks up at the 5th
a beautiful par 3 over a valley with the ocean visible between the tall
This short hole starts one of the Algarve’s best stretches
It is followed by an exhilarating tee shot that looks out over the Ria Formosa marshland and beyond to the Atlantic
Its small green is tantalisingly perched right on the edge of the land
Another unforgettable tee shot follows on the next and the wetland feel continues on the par-5 8th
the South hosted the Portuguese Open eight times between 1976 and 2001
It enjoys one of Portugal’s finest settings
among natural vegetation and between lakes
with the Ria Formosa frequently providing a dramatic backdrop
Laid out in a rough figure of eight formation
there are some long holes mixed with a number of birdie chances
the South moves up a gear on its back nine
with the picturesque par-3 11th and outstanding par 5
risk-and-reward 12th just two of many highlights
with the fabulous Shack restaurant – with aromas of cooking seafood and steak – looking on
“Some tests not for the faint-hearted,” says one panellist
Some of the finest scenery in the Algarve is enjoyed from the 27 holes laid out in a mix of links
woodland and parkland at this popular venue
The original Frank Pennink design east of Lagos was long a favourite of British golfers – whether ex-pats or holidaymakers – but it was significantly changed by American Robert Trent Jones Jnr in 2010
Alvor starts high up in the forested hills as the old course did but now there is also a stretch of holes – the Praia – down at the bottom which are linksy in nature
The parkland Lagos loop incorporates two lakes
The Grand Old Lady of the Algarve remains one of its main attractions
This Frank Pennink design from 1969 is a pedigree course of considerable charm whose class is immediately obvious on the gentle downhill 1st
not least because of the lack of housing in view
While there are more villas in your sightline on the next two holes
there is much less residential development here than almost anywhere else in the region
a thrilling par 3 played over a bubbling pond up and over umbrella pines that offer no more than a 10-yard gap if you want to try a lower route
high-calibre par 4 then a short two-shotter
while the second half opens with a cool short hole over a valley to a plateau green enclosed by trees
“Superb risk-reward holes and has a ‘garden’ feel to it
Designed by Jack Nicklaus – who is now slated to add a second course here – Monte Rei’s opening in 2007 was much anticipated
That it is established in the top 15 of Continental Europe and the No.1 in the Algarve suggests it has certainly lived up to its billing
Monte Rei offers a balance of pleasing aesthetics and stringent challenge
Helping in the former category is its remote location in foothills between the Serra do Caldeirao mountains and the Atlantic
The journey here is breathtaking in itself
twisting and climbing from the coast into this desert-like retreat among the hills
runways of green slide between the landscape’s arid burnt orange native soil before your eyes; this is perfectly manicured tranquility
it can be a beast and even off forward tees
there is much to penalise the wayward; if not the water on 11 holes
then the large bunkers or the enormous undulating greens
A superb layout within the hills and a treat for all levels of golfer,” says one panellist
VIEW OFFERS: Book your Algarve break
READ NEXT: – Europe’s best new golf courses
Chris Bertram is the Golf World Top 100 Courses and Resorts Editor
He was born and brought up in Dumfriesshire and has been a sports journalist since 1996
initially as a junior writer with National Club Golfer magazine
By Chris Bertram
Golf World Top 100 Courses and Resorts Editor
A 14-year-old student gunned down three of his classmates before turning the gun on himself in a horrifying school shooting in northeast Brazil.
Samuel Andrade was sitting at his desk at the Dom Pedro I Municipal School in the municipality of Heliópolis on Friday afternoon when he began firing at the students in class, the Bahia Civil Police said.
The Bahia Civil Police identified the victims, all aged 15, as Jonathan dos Santos, Fernanda Gama and Adriele Ferreira.
A teacher and nine students who were in the room at the time of the shooting were not injured.
Police chief Thiago Cunha said investigators interviewed Andrade's father, who said he did not know how his son obtained the .38 caliber revolver used in the shooting.
'The father's statement was very brief and did not provide any specific details about the ownership of the weapon,' Cunha said Saturday. 'He said he did not understand how the teenager had access to the weapon.'
Cunha added that investigators recovered the weapon, but that it was too early to say who the owner was.
Authorities seized Andrade's cellphone and a laptop in the hope of learning a motive.
Gama's mother, Elisangela de Sousa, told Brazilian media outlet BNews said that the shooter was friends with her daughter and the other two victims.
'They were friends, very good friends indeed. In fact, they were at church every Sunday. They were Confirmation students,' de Sousa said.
She added of the shooter: 'Samuel, I don't hate him.'
The Bahia state government said psychologists and social workers would be dispatched Monday to provide support to the students and teacher who witnessed the shooting.
The Heliópolis municipal government and education department issued a joint statement vowing to ensure a 'healthy, welcoming and safe' environment for students and staffers.
'At this time of immense grief and mourning, we express our most sincere condolences to the families, friends and the entire school community, who are facing a devastating and irreparable loss,' the statement said.
'We stand united in solidarity with the victims and their loved ones, as well as with all the students, teachers and staff deeply impacted by this tragedy.'
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“Independence or death!” thus proclaiming the sovereignty of Brazil
the country will solemnly celebrate the bicentennial of its independence
would love to attend these celebrations with all his heart
the king’s heart was transported from Porto
The organ will soon rejoin the monarch’s body in São Paulo
where it has rested since 1972 when Portugal presented it to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Brazil’s independence
Though the heart’s relocation to South America is only a temporary one
it has stirred up a high controversy across the two countries
both among scholars and the general public
Dom Pedro I of Brazil—also known as Dom Pedro IV of Portugal for his brief reign over that country—was a deeply controversial figure who played an important role in both countries’ histories
He was born into the Portuguese royal family in 1798
the family fled to Brazil to escape the Napoleonic invasion
a group of liberal revolutionaries seized power and forced the royal family to come back and to sign a constitution
Prince Pedro initially refused to return and proclaimed Brazil’s independence in 1822
but 10 years later he felt compelled to return to Portugal to lead the liberals in a bloody civil war against his brother
who had discharged the constitution and was serving as an absolutist ruler
While many of his partisans were enthusiastic to be led by the fierce prince
some felt that he had betrayed the home country by granting independence to Brazil
but he didn’t have much time to enjoy his triumph—he died of tuberculosis just a few months later
Dom Pedro made a request imbued with the romantic spirits of his time: he asked that his heart be donated to “the theatre of my true glory,” the city of Porto
He was besieged in this town for two years
and he wanted “to be close to those who stood by me” and gave their blood for his cause
Though unusual today, heart burial was once an accepted practice
the hearts of saints were worshiped separately from their bodies
and the hearts of dead Crusaders were occasionally the only part sent back home
since they were easier to transport than the whole body
Pedro’s own father and other relatives observed heart burial
following the example of the French monarchs
But Pedro’s bequest was a little different
“What is really unique in this case is that this was the only monarch in Portuguese history who bestowed his heart to a specific city
rather than have it buried nearby his own body,” explains historian Ribeiro da Silva
Pedro’s heart arrived in Porto in 1835
and his daughter decided that it should rest in the church of Our Lady of Lapa
the place where her father had attended religious ceremonies
The Brotherhood of Our Lady of Lapa has been the zealous keeper of the relic ever since
In the first turbulent years after Pedro’s death
when it was feared the defeated absolutists might seek revenge
the Brotherhood placed an armed sentinel to protect Pedro’s heart day and night
and preserving it properly is a major challenge
The Brotherhood has gone to great lengths to protect it
The heart is kept in a glass jar filled with formaldehyde
That jar is then placed inside a silver vase
who is also a proud member of the Brotherhood
it is necessary to remove a heavy 10-foot copper plaque in the mausoleum and then to use five different old keys
the relic is only removed when Brazilian presidents or high-ranking officers come to pay their tributes
the 20-pound heart seems to be in good shape for its age
there’s something about it—its pale color and gigantic proportions—that make it seem unreal
this dilation was probably caused by tuberculosis
which can cause the swelling of some organs
a group of Brazilian scientists from University of São Paulo asked to perform a biopsy on the royal relic to determine if tuberculosis was the actual cause of death
Their request was refused; the Brotherhood was afraid that this intervention could damage the organ
the Brazilian ambassador George Prata made an official request to temporarily transfer the heart of “the founding father of the country” to Brazil
This time—despite the Brotherhood’s cautiousness in the past—the reply was different
After a five-hour technical exam by five different experts in anatomy
and forensic biology from the University of Porto
Moreira decided to acquiesce to the Brazilian’s government request and to allow the heart to travel 4,500 miles to attend the ceremonies in São Paulo
Pedro’s heart began its tour just after midnight on August 21
It was transported in a pressurized container aboard a Brazilian Air Force jet—not as cargo but in the passenger’s cabin
After the ceremonial reception at Brasilia’s air base
the heart went to the headquarters of the External Affairs Ministry
The following day it was transported in a Rolls Royce to a ceremony in the presidential palace to meet the Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro
Six military airplanes drew a heart and the words “Independence 200 years” in the sky above the premises
It will be on display at Itamaraty Palace until the bicentennial commemorations in São Paulo on September 7 and then will promptly return home to Portugal on September 9
But the decision to take the heart to Brazil remains controversial on both sides of the ocean
Brazilian archaeologist Valdirene Ambiel was vocal in her opposition to the temporary transfer
She has been studying Dom Pedro’s body for more than ten years
and she fears that water infiltration in the monument in São Paulo where his remains are kept could lead to irreversible damage to the body
“If we cannot provide the minimum respect and dignity to Dom Pedro’s body
Dom Pedro’s body was also received with the highest military honors
It toured for three months through each major Brazilian city before reaching its final resting place in the massive granite and bronze monument that sits on the banks of the Ipiranga where Pedro declared the country’s independence
a Portuguese researcher from University of Lisbon
points out the similarities between the two celebrations
“Bolsonaro is an open supporter of the dictatorships ruling Brazil between 1964 and 1985,” she says
“He is using the same kind of ideological rhetoric
centralizing the whole dynamic of independence around one heroic figure.” Castelo explains that is out of step with a more modern understanding of Brazilian independence that acknowledges the many different groups involved
Perhaps it is fitting that the 224-year-old heart remains as controversial as the monarch himself
Dom Pedro’s return has even become an issue in the Brazilian presidential election
placing the organ at the center of a passionate debate over Brazil’s past and present
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among them the renowned French archaeologist Francois Auguste Mariette
arrived at the Giza Pyramids after attending mass in a Franciscan church
Heading the group was a special guest on a historic trip: Dom Pedro II
The emperor of Brazil was not only the first Brazilian head of state to travel to the Ottoman Empire and the Middle East
he was also the first from the Americas to visit Egypt
“[The Pyramids] seem small until you reach them
and you only get an idea of the height of the great pyramid when you observe those who climb it and become more and more little,” Dom Pedro II wrote in his diary
which is now held at the Museu Imperial of Petropolis
“I climbed up easily with the help of the Arabs
and on top we were more than thirty,” he writes
“As soon as we reached the top of the pyramid
waved our handkerchiefs and I sat on a stone from the time of Chufu and wrote a few words.”
had left Rio de Janeiro around five months earlier for their first international trip after delegating the responsibilities of the throne in their absence to their daughter
Known for his interest in different cultures
the ancient world and the emerging art and technology of photography
embarked on a journey that was to last 11 months and take him and his entourage to Europe and the Near East
“It was truly a ground-breaking journey in the 19th century,” Roberto Khatlab
author of the book The Journeys of Dom Pedro II
“Dom Pedro II studied and read about the Middle East
and in 1871 it was time to get to know the region in situ.”
where they visited France immediately following the fall of Napoleon III
and Germany after the unification of the German states
on the morning of 28 October they arrived at the Port of Alexandria
They were received by the khedive’s protocol and the honorary consul of Brazil in Alexandria
The group embarked on a journey of a lifetime that Dom Pedro II would use to explore the country
establish contacts and discover new technologies and knowledge that could benefit Brazil
while helping to make his country known in the Middle East
“Brazil became known in the East thanks to the emperor and the Arabic newspaper of the time that wrote about [it],” Khatlab said
“I found [archival] newspapers in Arabic presenting Brazil
and the emperor as one of the reasons that attracted Arabs to Brazil.”
With last month marking the 150th anniversary of Dom Pedro II’s inaugural trip to Egypt
in partnership with the Ministry of Culture of Egypt
reissued part of his photographic collection to the Egyptian public for the first time
“The exhibition aimed at celebrating Brazil-Egypt historic ties by shedding light on an important Brazilian patrimony
which is this beautiful collection of photographs,” Fernanda Tansini
the cultural attache at the Brazilian embassy in Cairo and one of the organisers of the event
the exhibition was held at the Gezira Art Center
a cultural venue located at the Prince Amry Palace in the affluent district of Zamalek
the first dedicated to the figure of Dom Pedro II and his trip to Egypt in 1871
and the second reserved for his second trip to the country five years later
images of Egypt from the emperor's collection were projected on a loop
“[Egyptian visitors] were surprised to see these images for the first time and enjoyed seeing their country through the eyes of Dom Pedro II
by the photos he collected and by reading his travel diaries,” Tansini said
“Many people told me they didn’t know much about Brazilian history
The publication of Description de L’Égypte from 1809 to 1828
a compilation of the research undertaken in Egypt during Napoleon Bonaparte’s military campaign and occupation of the country
along with the deciphering of the hieroglyphs in 1822
helped create a wave of global interest in the Middle East and Egypt
who had been crowned Brazil’s first emperor in 1821 after the country gained independence from Portugal
had amassed the largest collection of Egyptian artefacts in Latin America
and passed his fascination with Egyptian culture down to him
Dom Pedro II was crowned in 1841 at the age of 15
and soon developed a keen interest in fields such as the arts
He kept up correspondence with well-known Egyptologists
he participated in a translation of the 1001 Nights to Portuguese
unpublished notes of which are now kept in the Imperial Museum of Petropolis
He is also believed to have been the first in Brazil to own a daguerreotype
the first publicly available photographic process
And his passion for photography led him to acquire around 23,000 photographs throughout his life
These photographs are part of a broader collection called Dona Thereza Cristina Maria now stored at the Brazilian National Library, which also includes books, newspapers, maps and stamps. The collection is also considered a World Heritage, and it was the first Brazilian document to become part of Unesco’s Memory of the World Programme
Because of the limited expertise at the time in the conservation of old photographs
most of the originals he donated were left untouched for nearly a century
And it was only in 2003 that they were first shown to the public in an exhibition held in Sao Paulo
Khatlab says that the Emperor always carried a notebook with him
balancing the book on his knees or on some rocks beside him
usually by candlelight or the light of a hearth
The originals are kept in the Museu Imperial de Petropolis
and MEE was given access to a copy of the section describing Egypt
Both his diaries and collection of photographs represent valuable documents and prime sources of a period of profound historic changes from the perspective of a privileged observer
And they reveal significant aspects of the thinking
“They are a tremendous source of information
and they are not studied at all,” Joaquim Marcal Ferreira de Andrade
coordinator of the Brazilian National Library digital programme
such a collection anywhere else in the world
And this is what is special about it,” he added
Besides Dom Pedro II’s fascination with Egypt’s history and archaeology
what drew him to the country was also his intention to strengthen diplomatic and trade ties and to forge new connections
He also wanted to familiarise himself with the latest technologies and knowledge in areas such as agriculture
that could prove useful for Brazil’s development
the Empire of Brazil and the Ottoman Empire had signed a treaty of friendship
and since 1865 Brazil had an honorary consul in Alexandria
who focused on strengthening the diplomatic and trade bridges with Egypt
The arrival of Dom Pedro II helped to boost those emerging relations
But during this time Dom Pedro II was able to familiarise himself with the dynamic port of Alexandria
He could also explore the railway connecting the city with Ismailia
discover other port cities such as Port Said and Suez
and make contact with Khedive Ismail and his entourage
the emperor visited the new sugar cane mills established by the French
as Brazil was also an important sugar producer
and he took detailed notes on the railways and the Suez Canal
since he was considering opening new canals in his country
the Emperor visited the advanced sugar cane mills established by the French
where they spent a day touring the coastal city
Dom Pedro II and his group travelled to Suez and embarked on a four-day trip to Ismailia and Port Said on a small streamer through the Suez Canal
which had been inaugurated only two years earlier
where he fulfilled his dream of visiting the Giza Pyramids
In Cairo they checked in at the Great New Hotel – refusing official accommodation throughout the trip - where they would stay for more than a week
beginning his tour at the Citadel’s Mohammad Ali Mosque
“The interior is of alabaster and very vast
Many little birds fluttered chirping inside the mosque and the Arabs consider this a sign of happiness
The arcaded atrium that precedes the mosque is also beautiful and is full of hanging ropes for chandeliers
especially in the approaching Ramadan,” he wrote
From there Dom Pedro II went to the emblematic Bulak Museum of Antiquities
where he was “amazed at the degree of perfection of sculpture among the Egyptians 4,000 years before J.C.,” he wrote
On his meeting with Khedive Ismail Pasha later that day
he wrote that “he is intelligent and speaks good French
but I think that because of his sybaritic habits he will never be a true reformer”
The attending Egyptian minister of foreign affairs
fared slightly better in his estimation: “Nubar Pasha
Since no trip to Cairo would be complete without a ride on a camel and a bit of role play
“I was in Heliopolis [one of the oldest cities of ancient Egypt]
I examined the obelisk of Ositarsen,” he wrote
I picked leaves from a beautiful sycamore tree which they call the Virgin’s tree
as it is traditional that in its shade Our Lady [Mary] rested during her flight to Egypt,” he added
referring to the story recounted in the Gospel of Matthew
Dom Pedro II and Dona Thereza Cristina sampled the opulence of the Ottoman court
They were invited to a dinner at Khedive Ismail’s residence where the menu included 15 dishes
including poisson au gratin Genevoises (fish au gratin)
filet de bœuf a l’anglaise (beef fillet in English style)
and asperge en branche Hollandaise (asparagus in Hollandaise sauce)
Dom Pedro II still had time on 8 November to visit the library of the Egyptian Institute
run by the German archaeologist Heinrich Karl Brugsch
especially one because it is from the times of Saladin,” the emperor noted
“The appearance of an Arab school is curious
because of the constant swaying of the students’ bodies as they read the Quran
imitating the swaying of those who ride on camels
they commemorate the flight of Muhammad from Medina to Mecca.”
before leaving Egypt aboard a ship to Italy
“What beautiful weather for the journey!” he noted
“Dom Pedro II’s visit was one of the bases [that helped] nurture and strengthen relations between the Brazilian and Ottoman empires,” Khatlab says
“And Egypt thus became a sort of springboard for Syrian and Lebanese emigrants [then Ottoman subjects] to Brazil
a country they knew about through the emperor and the Arab newspapers of the time
Dom Pedro II still found the time to visit Egypt a second time
as part of a new 18-month journey that took him
his wife and a small entourage to North America
Europe, the Middle East and North Africa
the group spent only a few days in Port Said and Cairo before directly departing on a Nile cruise to the south
where they visited the historical cities of Luxor and Aswan and the temples of Abu Simbel
and Dom Pedro II – who never visited Egypt again - died in exile in Paris on 5 December 1891
"[Dom Pedro II] had a substantial fascination connected to figuring out where we come from and where we are going to
so he was fascinated by astronomy and by every field of knowledge connected to understanding the past of humans," Ferreira de Andrade said
He was absolutely fascinated and connected to its culture and history.”
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Dom Pedro Golf Vilamoura, recently crowned 2024 IAGTO Portugal Golf Resort of the Year
is undertaking an extensive renovation of the iconic Old Course
The second oldest course in the Algarve has undergone a fundamental and sustainable series of updates over the last few months
with a new state-of-the-art clubhouse set to open in November
The new clubhouse will include upgrades to the entrance
Dom Pedro Golf Vilamoura has also incorporated a vast range of on-course improvements to one of the Algarve’s most renowned layouts
The renovations have focused heavily on sustainability
introducing a new long-term strategy to make it one of Europe’s most environmentally friendly courses
Several key initiatives will be introduced such as new sprinkler systems and water-resistant grass varieties to reduce water consumption
hydropressor stations to reduce energy consumption
The changes are being made without the course
having to close and minimising the impact and enjoyment of visiting golfers
All on-course developments are due to be completed by the end of August
the management platform that oversees all of Vilamoura’s golfing assets
said: “The renovations of the Old Course align with the long-term vision of enhancing quality
These improvements specifically target maintaining high standards in golfing facilities and service and reinforcing Vilamoura's image as a premier golf destination
“The renovations are meticulously planned to respect its classic design and rich heritage
the renovation ensures that the course remains a cherished destination for golfers.”
Greens and fairways will all receive maintenance
and tee boxes will have Bermuda grass planted
making the tees environmentally sustainable
The overall appearance of the course will have more definition between the grassed play areas and the iconic landscape of pine trees
This will have a “massive impact” on both the appearance and quality
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At three o’clock on an August afternoon
my friend and colleague Márcio Fernandes
told me of Dom Pedro Casaldáliga’s passing in the city of Batatais
I immediately passed on the news to our mutual friends; deep pain washed over us
but so did the subversive memory of his equally subversive life
As Casaldáliga observed in his poem “Song of the sickle and the sheaf”:
Dom Pedro’s was a life dedicated to the liberation of oppressed people who were
“more important than life” to him
where he was born in Balsereny on February 16
and the organizations sympathetic to his humanitarian and environmental projects
his life took a radical turn: he left for Brazil and never returned
not even at the time of his mother’s death
That is what he had promised when he embarked for Latin America
But he carried Catalonia in his heart and mind
Brazil also became his homeland; he came as a missionary and worked as a “liberation bishop” for more than three decades in the diocese of Sâo Felix do Araguaia
I maintained a lively correspondence with Casaldáliga over several decades
I read his writings and followed his personal and intellectual trajectories
I have listened to the testimonies of mutual friends and sent him my writing; in 2012
I dedicated my book Invitación a la utopía (Invitation to Utopia) to him with these words: “Pedro Casaldáliga
whose gaze is fixed on Another Possible World.”
In this article I offer ten snapshots of the most outstanding dimensions of his vibrant personality: the originality of his thought
Dom Pedro cultivated his poetic talent from his youth
He did not hide safely behind empty verbiage
He sang of the Latin American revolutionaries: Augusto César Sandino
Gaspar García Laviana; of the martyred bishops: Saint Óscar Romero of El Salvador
Enrique Angelelli of Argentina; and of the liberation theologians Gustavo Gutiérrez and Leonardo Boff
No cause that was playing out on the local or international stage was strange to him
placing himself beside the people who were struggling for liberation
Casaldáliga did not settle comfortably into the status quo
but asked how things should be and sought to transform the world through praxis
He offered alternative narratives to the official story
facilitated spaces of coexistence and dialogue instead of preparing battlefields
He criticized many kinds of power: religious
and economic; intrigue in the Vatican; imperialism
But he was not just an iconoclast: he proposed alternatives to all these wrongs
Pedro fought for the rights of first peoples – who are true environmentalists – to their land
He demanded that the rights of Mother Earth
whom these peoples deem sacred and with whom they form an eco-human community
Defender of the rights of indigenous and black people
Casaldáliga embraced both these causes and suffered persecution – including death threats – as a result
The best expression of his vision for indigenous and black communities are his two beautiful cantatas
The Mass of the “Quilombos” celebrates African culture’s originality and community-promoting capacities
He responded to colonialism by fighting to decolonize minds and feelings
demanding that the knowledge and wisdom of these peoples be recognized
Following in the footsteps of the prophets of Israel and Palestine
of Jesus of Nazareth and also Bartolomé de Las Casas
Casaldáliga awoke slumbering consciences
denounced the injustices of the system and announced Another Possible World as a historical option
Casaldáliga found God in the faces of the impoverished masses and spoke to him in meditative silence
He never paraded his religious experience before the world
living it out instead in his deepest heart
fount of his social and political commitments
gained historical significance from the deeds it inspired
Casaldáliga considered faith a liberating force and lived it out with hope and solidarity
which he called “the tenderness of peoples.” He placed himself at the side of the liberation theologians who suffered for their writings and founded
together with Rubem Alves and Ernesto Cardenal
the school of “liberation theopoetry.”
hope was an inherent part of reality and a virtue of militant optimism on the path towards Utopia
In his acceptance speech for an honorary doctorate from the Universidade de Campinas (Brazil)
he proclaimed his “passion for Utopia
A passion that has been scandalously defused
dominant mercantilism and chastened postmodernism,” and declared himself a worker in the construction of Utopia who would reflect on and learn from setbacks
He believed in Utopia as a place “where there is room for everyone,” echoing the cry of the Zapatistas
His message was that “we walk from hope to hope
Casaldáliga proposed the kingdom of God as an alternative to every empire
“Speaking as a Christian,” he declared
“the assignment is very clear (and very demanding) and Jesus of Nazareth has given it to us
In the face of the oppressive politics of any empire
we must wield the liberating politics of the kingdom of the living God
who is God of the poor and of everyone who hungers and thirsts for justice
we wield the agenda of the kingdom.”
visionary with eyes of the poor and advocate of the people
as powerful as they may seem (and believe themselves to be)
This is an abridged translation of the original Spanish published in Ameríndia
Juan José Tamayo holds the Ignacio Ellacuria Chair of Theology and Religious Sciences in Madrid’s Universidad Carlos III and is author of Teologías del Sur: El giro descolonizador (Trotta
in which he dedicates a chapter to Pedro Casaldáliga and his “liberation theopoetry.”
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The well-known Victoria course in Vilamoura
is to reopen next year as the centre piece of a private members only club under the Els Club banner
The course is currently being extensively remodelled and will be virtually unrecognisable when the first ball is struck next summer
It will be the first Els Club in Europe and the sole members-only club on the Algarve
The host of the Portugal Masters between 2007-2022 will receive a significant upgrade both on and off the course and offer the highest level of service to a small group of invited-only founder members when it comes into play
It is thought only a few tee times will be offered access to the general playing public
four time major winner and former world number one
is partnering with Arrow Global in the venture and is excited to be getting his hands on continental European soil for the first time as a designer
"This one is really special," said Els
who has opened four of his exclusive Els Clubs around the world
adding he will be delighted to bring his luxury concept to Europe
are outstanding destinations and for me to see the Els Club proposition take its first steps in this market is a watershed moment and we could not have been prouder."
The South African was handpicked by Arrow Global to redesign the Victoria course
Work is well underway to transform the site
the management company owned by Arrow Global
co-CEO of DETAILS said: "It is a real honour and privilege to work with Ernie Els on this extraordinary private club which will offer members a new level of service and privacy previously unattainable in the Algarve
The Els Club will reflect his passion and demand for excellence in everything we do."
Arrow Global in the midst of a complete make over of Vilamoura
one of the most favoured destinations of Europe’s travelling golfers
With funds it manages it has taken over Dom Pedro’s Vilamoura golfing and hotel portfolio and is planning substantial upgrades
The famous Old Course has already received substantial investments with improvements to the course and the addition of a smart new clubhouse
Upgrades are planned for its other courses
In addition the popular marina has been enlarged to attract larger yachts
an exclusive equestrian centre is planned and a number of residential developments are completed or are on the drawing board
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Telles has advised the Saviotti Group on the sale of six hotels of the Dom Pedro Group and five golf courses in Vilamoura
The assets include the Dom Pedro Portobelo
Dom Pedro Machico and Dom Pedro Garajau hotels and the Vilamoura
The Telles team in this transaction was led by Mariana Ferreira Martins
with the assistance of Nuno Marques and Leonor Dias do Carmo
of counsel and associate respectively in the same practice
the Saviotti Group will focus its activities on the Dom Pedro 5* Hotel Unit
as well as on real estate and tourism projects in Portugal and Brazil
Dom Pedro Laguna (Brazil) was awarded three World Tourism Oscars at the World Travel Awards in the categories of ‘Best Resort in Brazil’
‘Best Golf Hotel in Brazil’ and ‘Best Beach Resort in South America’
Various firms advise on the acquisition of Biovert
Eversheds Sutherland advises Alantra on the financing to…
It represents the main source of information in the legal business sector in Spain and Portugal
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information about deals and their advisors
For further information, please visit the Group’s website www.lcpublishinggroup.com
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residences.dompedro.com/ Editorial Team 4 October 2024
10:00The latest development managed by DETAILS – Hospitality
Sports & Leisure has just opened its doors in the heart of the Algarve
The Dom Pedro Residences comprises 83 sophisticated apartments in a prime location
close to the beach and just 30 minutes from Faro International Airport
The development also features two outdoor swimming pools
residences.dompedro.com/Designed to high standards of quality and equipped with amenities such as access to rooftop terraces with jacuzzis and sunbed areas
the apartments at Dom Pedro Residences also provide residents and guests with access to various benefits available at the Dom Pedro Hotels under preferential conditions
"These new apartments are the latest addition to a hospitality offering that makes Vilamoura a must-visit destination for guests seeking quality
This is a world-class destination for families
and visitors who enjoy holidaying in cosmopolitan places that offer a 360-degree experience," says Francisco Moser
The portfolio of Dom Pedro Hotels & Golf Collection in Vilamoura includes, in addition to the Dom Pedro Residences which is listed on idealista
five exceptional golf courses – including the Old Course
designed by Frank Pennink – and a beach concession
20 properties with negotiable prices in Portugal With the cost of living still high and 2025 well underway
buying a home in Portugal might seem like a challenge
it’s also the perfect time to start your property search — and there’s still time to secure your dream home before summer
Hyatt Regency Leonor Santos 11 February 2025
10:00Every once and a while we like to show you around some of Portugal's best hotels
one of the Algarve's most exclusive destinations
which is about to gain a new icon of luxury and hospitality
The iconic Dom Pedro Vilamoura Hotel will undergo a complete rebranding to join the renowned Hyatt Regency brand
will take place in two phases: the first will be completed by the summer of this year
marking the full completion of the rebranding
it will open its doors under the Hyatt Regency brand
as part of a franchising agreement with a subsidiary of Hyatt Hotels Corporation
redesigned dining spaces with live cooking stations
and a reinvented terrace featuring an octagonal bar
In addition to enhancing the infrastructure
the project promises to redefine the concept of luxury in the Algarve
aligning with Hyatt's strategy to expand in the leisure resort segment in Europe
Renders Hyatt RegencyAccording to Nuno Galvão Pinto
"this collaboration demonstrates our commitment to supporting owners and enriching the region's tourism offering."
"This is an exciting project that will add value to the region
and the prime location will make this accommodation the perfect combination for our guests," adds Francisco Moser
Branded Residences: Portugal is the European country with the most projects in the pipeline The phenomenon of Branded Residences is “in rapid growth” in Portugal
Executive Director of the Portuguese Association of Residential Tourism and Resorts (APR)
The Savills Global Residential Development Consultancy study
Branded Residences: Portugal Snapshot 2025
concluding that Portugal is the European country with the most projects in the pipeline for the next five years: by 2031
the country will have over 1,200 branded resi
The National Museum of Natural History will permanently display the Dom Pedro Aquamarine
which is the largest single piece of cut-gem aquamarine in the world
It joins an illustrious cast of famous gemstones already on exhibit in the Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology
Gems and Minerals such as the Hope Diamond and the Marie Antoinette earrings
The quality of the original crystal and its size
exquisite blue-green color and distinctive cut make it an exceptionally rare gem
“There is so much about the Dom Pedro that is remarkable
but what excites me most is that we are able to preserve the story that goes along with it,” said Kirk Johnson
the Sant Director of the National Museum of Natural History
“The Dom Pedro is enriched by all the people and places that have been a part of its fascinating journey from the crust of the Earth to its home here in the National Gem Collection
We are grateful to Jane Mitchell and Jeffery Bland for their wonderful gift.”
Mined from a Brazilian pegmatite in the late 1980s
the magnificent aquamarine was named for Brazil’s first two emperors
the portion of the beryl crystal from which the obelisk-shaped gem was fashioned measured 23.25 inches long and weighed nearly 60 pounds
designed by world-renowned gem artist Bernd Munsteiner
measures 4 inches across the base and weighs in at 10,363 carats or 4.6 pounds
These impressive dimensions render the Dom Pedro the largest cut-and-polished gem aquamarine known
A pattern of tapering “negative cuts” faceted into the reverse faces of the sea-blue obelisk serves to reflect the light within the gem
giving the piece surprising brightness and sparkle
this remarkable sculpture appears to be illuminated from within
“The Dom Pedro Aquamarine represents a combination of an extraordinary crystal of rare clarity and rich color with the unique skills of a celebrated artist,” said Jeffrey Post
curator of the National Gem and Mineral Collection at the museum
the “Father of the Fantasy Cut,” is considered one of the greatest gem artists of the 20th century
He combines traditional methods with dynamic modern forms to create gem sculptures
Munsteiner was born to a family of gem carvers
and his work is the manifestation of an art form that has been passed from generation to generation
He became an apprentice in the family trade at the age of 14 and later went on to become a student at the School of Design in Pforzheim
where he graduated as a designer of precious stones and jewelry
It was in school that Munsteiner was first challenged to take the traditional cameo to a new form
and he has been stretching boundaries and defying traditional methods ever since
His faceting technique known as “Fantasy Cuts” has inspired a modernization of gem art creation
and his innovative style is exemplified in the Dom Pedro Aquamarine
Munsteiner spent four months meticulously studying the crystal and an additional six months carving
polishing and faceting to create this unmatched work of art
The Dom Pedro Aquamarine joins the Smithsonian’s famous gem and mineral collection of more than 10,000 gems in addition to 350,000 mineral specimens
The Smithsonian’s gem and mineral collection is one of the largest of its kind
For more information on the mineral science collections at the museum, visit the Department of Mineral Sciences’ website
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Pictured (left to right): Donor Jeff Bland
Sant Director Kirk Johnson and Donor Jane M
Beryl variety aquamarine; The Dom Pedro aquamarine; 10,363 cts; Pedra Azul
Link to homepage
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Penha Longa is one of the best golf resorts in Portugal
Portugal is one of the top destinations for a golf break in Europe with so many incredible places to play, as we’ve highlighted in our Top 100 Courses in Portugal
But where are the best places to stay and play in the country
Golf World Top 100 Editor Chris Bertram and our expert panel have had their say on the 15 best golf resorts in Portugal
RELATED: The best golf resorts in Europe
with more than 40 strung across the width of the region
while the quieter East has Monte Rei plus Quinta da Cima and Ria
The Centre – with Vilamoura – is heavily populated
Only Palmares’ Praia provides variety from the immaculate parklands
To the west towards Cascais are Penha Longha
PDR and West Cliffs offer seaside excellence
Oporto is a mini Royal North Devon and Estela is as close to a raw seaside course as you can find on the continent
while Vidago Palace offers some of the most characterful inland holes in Portugal (and a sensational hotel)
Bag a dealTee Times Portugal are specialists in courses and accommodation in Portugal. Visit teetimes.pt to take the stress out of your trip – and grab a bargain
RELATED: The best golf resorts in Britain and Ireland
The golf: Frank Pennink-designed Aroeira I sits among tall pines
while Aroeira II is by Donald Steel and plays around six lakes
Off-course amenities: An outdoor pool plus four impressive tennis courts
Accommodation: Opt for apartments or a brand-new
Golf World Top 100 verdict: Transformed by the addition of a stylish hotel
It is super-stylish and a great base from which to play Aroeira’s two courses
Four nights B&B and three rounds at Aroeira
The golf: Twenty seven holes across three nines
Accommodation: The shiny new hotel offers 20 rooms with sea views
Golf World verdict: Robert Trent Jones overhauled their three loops of nine
The golf: Excellent contrasting courses – one technical (Cima)
Accommodation: A fine combination of rooms
Golf World verdict: Expect a quietly excellent break in an unfussy yet super Robinson hotel
Three nights all-inclusive and two rounds at Quinta da Ria
The golf: The first course to be built on the Algarve opened in 1966 and has hosted 11 Portuguese Opens
Off-course amenities: A very lengthy list that includes a health and beauty centre spa
kids’ club and five restaurants and two bars
Accommodation: Five-star hotel boasting 188 refurbished rooms and suites
Golf World verdict: The course in mature woodland is excellent
Three nights B&B and unlimited rounds at Penina
The golf: A Robert Trent Jones Snr course from 1984
boasting views of the Sintra Mountains and Atlantic
Accommodation: Choose between a five-star hotel with all the amenities you need
Golf World verdict: One of Portugal’s biggest and best hotels is the star attraction here
making it one of this list’s premier destinations for families
Three nights B&B and two rounds at Quinta da Marinha
RELATED: The best golf courses you can play for £60 and under
The golf: A classic parkland/woodland that was originally the 1934 creation of MacKenzie Ross
Off-course amenities: Include indoor and outdoor pools and a Zen-inspired spa
Accommodation: You feel like royalty at the historic five-star hotel with its exquisite rooms and suites
Golf World verdict: If you prefer character and pedigree over glitz and dazzle
Three nights B&B and unlimited rounds at Vidago Palace
The golf: The last course designed by Seve guarantees plenty of thrills and spills
Off-course amenities: Extensive dining options and an array of leisure facilities include a gym
Accommodation: A very chic five-star boutique hotel
Golf World verdict: The course has been a fixture in our Continental Europe Top 100 since it opened in 2012
The golf Two Portugal top 20 courses – the Faldo and O’Connor
Accommodation A collection of luxury properties – from spacious two-bedroom apartments to grand four-bedroom villas
Golf World verdict: The Faldo and O’Connor – which
are equal in quality – and superb apartments and villa accommodation see Amendoeira rank high
Three nights B&B and unlimited rounds at Amendoeira
The golf: Classic Robert Trent Jones Jnr (Kyle Phillips steering the ship) undulating parkland
Off-course amenities: The spa is one of Portugal’s finest
while The AssaMassa is an elegant dining room
Golf World verdict: Constant drama on the course
The on-site hotel is arguably even better; chic look and terrific amenities
Three nights B&B and three rounds at Penha Longa
The golf: Spectacular Jack Nicklaus course which weaves across rolling terrain
World-class championship golf in immaculate condition
Off-course: amenities Swimming pool and tennis courts
Accommodation: A collection of luxury villas
which is now getting close to 150 in terms of rooms – exquisitely furnished
Golf World verdict: With 142 rooms on resort from 2021
this high-end resort offers the ultimate in quality and service
Three nights self-catering and two rounds at Monte Rei
RELATED: Our Top 100 most fun golf courses
The golf: A classic Arthur Hills design with Atlantic views
and indoor swimming pool with heated salt water
Accommodation: Five-star hotel with views over the ocean or course
Golf World verdict: A Continental Top 100 (usually in the top 25) course with fabulous Atlantic views are the highlight of this entry
being uber-minimalist in style and lying just a few steps from the 18th green
The golf: A masterpiece of a Robert Trent Jones seaside course
Off-course amenities: A spa with more than 70 different treatments
Accommodation: The five-star Troia Design hotel
Golf World verdict: The course is fabulous – witness its position in the top 10 of our Continental courses list
The golf: Five 18-hole courses with the stunning Old Course and dashing Victoria the stars
Off-course amenities: The hotels are packed with amenities
Accommodation: Three four-star hotels (Dom Pedro Vilamoura
DP Marina and DP Portobelo) – 500 rooms in total
Golf World verdict: Five courses plus three four-star hotels: Dom Pedro is clearly comprehensive
It has so many rooms and amenities across the Vilamoura
Loses marks for being relatively spread out
but none of the hotel-to-course trips is onerous
Three nights B&B and three rounds at Dom Pedro
The golf: Two world-class courses with the stunning part-links
part-parkland Praia de’l Rey being joined by the equally spectacular West Cliffs
Off-course amenities: A number of good restaurants
football pitch and a leisure complex with heated indoor and outdoor pools
Accommodation: Refurbished five-star hotel overlooking the Atlantic
Golf World verdict: An immense golf offering
fabulous location and really good accommodation – unlucky not to be No.1
The golf: Home to three superb 18-hole championship golf courses (North
South & Laranjal) that are in our Golf World Portugal Top 50 and two in our Continental Europe ranking
Off-course amenities: A wealth of practice facilities and a wide range of sports and leisure activities
Accommodation: The funky four-star Magnolia Hotel with comfortable rooms
Golf World verdict: Quinta do Lago has been transformed as a resort entry by the addition of the Magnolia Hotel
Prior to the acquisition of this cute residence in the heart of the ‘super resort’
QdL relied on villas for its accommodation because the hotels within the town-like complex do not have the same owner as the golf courses
And while Magnolia isn’t the biggest or most luxurious hotel in the top 10
a lively pool area and excellent bar and restaurant
Three nights B&B and two rounds at Quinta do Lago
VIEW OFFERS: Book your Portugal break
Dom Pedro Golf Vilamoura has long been considered one of the very finest destinations in the game
and that has continued since DETAILS took control of its management as the acclaimed venue was named Golf Resort of the Year in Portugal at the 2024 IAGTO (International Association of Golf Travel Operators) Awards
The win reinforces the committed work the hospitality
and leisure management company has undertaken across the Dom Pedro Golf & Hotels Collection portfolio in Vilamoura since its acquisition by Arrow Global last year
A total of 660 golf tour operators worldwide voted for their best golf courses
and destinations which delivered outstanding service to their clients
with the Algarve resort holding off a challenge from several of Portugal’s most established golf properties
DETAILS has set its sights on confirming Dom Pedro Golf Vilamoura as one of Europe’s finest leisure resorts
aiming to reposition it among the industry’s elite
Significant developments are currently in progress across the wider Dom Pedro portfolio in Vilamoura
Designed by Frank Pennink, the Old Course
has already undergone significant change in a bid to attract premium golfers to the tee boxes of this esteemed golf destination
which hosted the European Tour’s Portugal Masters between 2007 and 2022 is currently closed undergoing renovation before re-opening in 2025
CEO - International Association of Golf Travel Operators said: "Dom Pedro Golf Vilamoura has always been a standout resort in a region blessed with more than its fair share of stunning venues
but we recognised that the resort is already in the top drawer when it comes to sophisticated
Co-Chief Executive Officer at DETAILS - Hospitality
said: "I am immensely proud of our team's dedication and commitment
which has culminated in our recent win of the prestigious IAGTO Golf Resort of the Year 2024 - Portugal award
"This accolade underscores our pursuit of excellence in delivering unparalleled experiences to our guests
We want to elevate this resort to new heights and solidify our position as a leading destination in the world of golf and hospitality."
the Dom Pedro portfolio also includes the Dom Pedro Portobelo
Dom Pedro Marina and Dom Pedro Vilamoura hotels
all of which fall under the management expertise of DETAILS
DETAILS has many more developments planned
What Makes Portugal The Number One Golf Destination - Best Courses And Resorts
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Brazil still struggles to reap the full benefits of constitutional liberty
On September 7, 1822, the son of the Portuguese king, the prince regent of Brazil, declared Brazilian independence and became Brazilian Emperor, taking the name of Dom Pedro I. The occasion may not have been as glamorous as later depicted in the canvas “Independence or Death,” but it was the formal birth of the nation
The roots of Brazilian national identity and political independence may or may not be traced deep into colonial times
the events of the early nineteenth century decisively shaped the idea of Brazil as a distinct political entity
the Portuguese court arrived in Rio de Janeiro
King Joao VI (at that time still prince regent) abolished the colonial condition by opening Brazil to direct trade with all “friendly nations,” and later
Brazil was made an integral part of the “United Kingdom of Portugal
The end of colonial status of Brazil implied that the commercial interests in Portugal
which had benefited from a draconian monopoly of Brazilian trade before 1808
the Portuguese bureaucrats also lost the rents that used to come along with political power over Brazil when Joao VI decided to remain in Rio de Janeiro instead of returning to Lisbon upon Napoleon’s defeat
and more populated territory than Portugal proper
The reaction of Portuguese elites was the “Porto Revolution of 1820,” a botched attempt to reinstate the colonial statute
which inadvertently triggered Brazilian independence
The situation in Brazil was dire at that time
1.2 million were slaves brought from Africa
and about 1.5 million were free decedents of white
Slavery was at the same time the cornerstone of the economy and the major impediment to economic growth
and the Catholic religion had been well established in colonial times
almost every other major institution was introduced in the country after 1808
including the first institution of higher education
Imagine the United States becoming independent with King’s College being the only institution of higher education and less than 15 years old
the constitution given to Brazil by Dom Pedro I was remarkably liberal
its virtues evidenced by the fact that it lasted from 1824 to 1891
the longest of any other constitutions of the country since
Yet that constitution arguably planted the seeds of some of the most intractable problems haunting Brazil to this day
it did not recognize a single source of legitimate political power
Both the Emperor and the People were recognized as sources of sovereignty
That was not an arcane and inconsequential feature
since Montesquieu’s The Spirit of the Laws
all of them having popular sovereignty as the sole source of their legitimacy
Benjamin Constant later proposed a different separation of power
It was based on the recognition that in England
the quintessential constitutional monarchy at his time
in the words of Adolphe Thiers: “the king rules but does not govern.” Based on that observation
Constant proposed that the king had a “moderating” power
with the executive power vested in the cabinet of ministers
and the king acting as an impartial “judge” of the political game
Constant is mostly understood as describing
a liberal conception of constitutional monarchy with popular sovereignty exercised by a parliament
that was not what was institutionalized in Brazil
The charter Dom Pedro I gave the country concentrated power in his hands to intervene in the political process whenever he deemed it necessary
he institutionalized a power of “tutelage” of the exercise of popular sovereignty for himself
The emperor at his sole discretion could fire the cabinet
until the monarchy was abolished by a military coup in 1889
has never again explicitly acknowledged the right of someone to exercise “tutelage” over the political process in its formal constitutions
first the army and more recently the Supreme Court have claimed such powers time and again
Aside from other minor and not-so-minor incidents
the Supreme Court has claimed to have powers not considered by most legal scholars to be authorized by the current Brazilian constitution of 1988
all those instances of tutelage over the political process are manifestations of the “moderating power.” It is part of the real
If the Army yesterday or the Supreme Court today may decide that the institutions of limited and representative government in the country are not sufficient
The problem is that the principle of legality
means not only that private individuals are free to do whatever is not forbidden by law
but also that public agents are authorized to do only what is mandated by law
If the political constitution recognizes that the sole source of legitimacy is the sovereignty of the people and determines how the different branches of government will exercise such sovereignty on behalf of the people
then any infringement of the constitution is an infringement on popular sovereignty
defenders of such arrangements have argued that extreme circumstances require extreme measures
the exercise of such “tutelage” is warranted every time that the integrity of the country is at risk
other societies have institutionalized emergency powers subject to popular sovereignty rather than above it
If the Army yesterday or the Supreme Court today may decide that the institutions of limited and representative government in the country are not sufficient
to check the power of a political maverick and therefore they are entitled to intervene “for the good of the country,” then the real sovereign is not the people but whoever exercises the ultimate power in emergency cases
That is the Hobbesian lesson of Carl Schmitt
the rule of law in the country is conditioned to the goodwill of whoever is perceived as having such “moderating power.”
Another argument presented by the supporters of such usurpation of popular sovereignty is that Dom Pedro II used it with prudence
Because that man happened to be a prudent man
it does not follow that any other man or group of men will act similarly
“Jabuticaba” is a fruit that grows only in Brazil
Everything that exists only in Brazil such as the acceptance of a “moderating power” limiting popular sovereignty is also called a “jabuticaba.” Very well
what are the consequences of this particular “jabuticaba”
let us consider in what way slavery was a deadweight preventing the country from developing
The answer is that about a fifth of the population of the country was denied basic individual rights
denied to the slaves the necessary conditions to engage in mutually beneficial exchanges
and to benefit from the use of whatever knowledge of particular circumstances they might have come across
the rule of law was and according to some still is conditional
Do you think you know what the rules are for whatever endeavor you have chosen for yourself
That capital formation and wealth accumulation are still happening in the country is a wonder of wonders
Considering that Brazil is one of the world’s biggest economies
defenders of Brazilian political practices may argue that Brazil did not fare so badly after all
and we cannot know what would have happened if the frequent infringements of constitutional order were not so easily tolerated
we may nevertheless affirm beyond doubt that ceteris paribus
whatever security of possession and personal autonomy does exist
it is less than what it could exist if encroachments on popular sovereignty were not tolerated as they are to this day in the country
if we accept that the rule of law is the foundation of individual incentives for wealth creation
potentially wealthier if the rule of law were stronger than it actually is
Are we experiencing a process of “Brazilianization” of the United States
That question would require more detailed consideration
the lessons from two hundred years of Brazilian independence without being able to clearly establish the principle of popular sovereignty may serve as a cautionary note to whoever takes it for granted anywhere
We might analyze events of American history using the framework of the “moderating” power we see in Brazil
one that “for the good of the country,” can infringe the principles of legality and put itself above the constitutional order
even if only in spirit: What were the instances in which such episodes could be identified; who are the ones most likely to believe that they are above the law
Changing circumstances may require changes in the institutional setting for the very survival of the polity
This fact does not do away with the importance of constitutional procedures in making those changes
When substantive institutional changes are made not by constitutionally acceptable methods
but by abusing forms and disregarding traditional interpretations
they amount to infringements on popular sovereignty
and the legitimacy of the entire political system is called into question
What unites the American people is not a common ethnic origin
but an acceptance of some ideas which informed the American founding documents
That has been proved by the number of people from different parts of the globe who dream to become Americans regardless of their religious beliefs or the color of their skin
That the United States is no longer the kind of polity thought by the framers is obvious
many institutional changes since the founding were for the better
we may argue that everything good that changed in the United States since its founding was inspired and made possible by the ideals behind the political arrangements established at the founding
Chief among those ideals is the ideal of popular sovereignty exercised through a limited and representative government as established by the American Constitution
That is the positive expression in the laws of the country of the somewhat metaphysical concept of the Rule of Law
The United States became the most powerful political society in the world thanks to the allegiance that so many productive
brave individuals were and still are willing to give to its flag
Weakening respect for the laws and political practices in the country also weakens the country as a political entity
even if there is a long way to go until “tutelage” by any self-proclaimed elite becomes an acceptable part of the actual political norms
Gordon Brown, a former Prime minister of the UK, once humorously remarked that “in establishing the rule of law, the first five hundred years are always the hardest.” Perhaps
we will all be laughing at that in Brazil and in the United States
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Colombian institutions are still resisting their authoritarian president
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will be temporarily transferred from Portugal to Brazil
as part of the bicentennial commemorations of the country’s independence
According to the official page of Porto City Hall
one of the coordinators of the bicentennial commemorations
announced that his country’s government had sent an official request to Portugal for the transfer of the heart of D
announced that the municipality would consider authorizing the temporary transfer of the heart to Brazil
“It is with great honor that I announce that I authorize the heart of D
on dates to be agreed between my office and the Itamaraty Palace
will still be validated by the Municipal Executive,” the mayor of Porto said in his June announcement
the municipality unanimously approved the proposal authorizing the transfer
The relic will be “transported in a pressurized environment” it was reported
The royal heart will arrive at Palácio Planalto
where it will be received with military honors
Pedro’s heart preserved in formaldehyde
the heart will be transferred to the Itamaraty Palace
throughout the bicentennial independence celebrations
Born in Lisbon in 1798, following a twist of historical events
when Portugal was invaded by French troops in 1807
where he would become the symbol of Brazilian independence
while remaining relevant to Portuguese history.
Nicknamed by Brazilians as the “Liberator” – as D
Pedro I – he was the founder and first ruler of the Empire of Brazil
In September 9, 1822, D. Pedro proclaimed the independence of Brazil on the banks of the Ipiranga River
historically known as the place where he pronounced “Grito do Ipiranga” officially separating Brazil from the Kingdom of Portugal
His body was interred in the Royal Pantheon of the House of Braganza in Lisbon
were transferred from the Royal Pantheon of the House of Braganza to the Ipiranga Monument
as part of the of the celebrations of the 150th anniversary of the independence of Brazil
the Portuguese-American Journal (PAJ) is an interactive news blog dedicated to the Portuguese-American heritage with the purpose of informing and offering an insight into the Portuguese-American experience
All issues, printed and digital, are catalogued by the Library of Congress @ https://www.loc.gov/item/94648842/
The Portuguese American Journal is ranked by GoogleNews.
PAJ honors freedom of speech but does not allow for defamatory
or abusive language including intimidation
including falsehoods and/or disinformation
**Report a correction or typo to editor@portuguese-american-journal.com
We are committed to upholding our journalistic standards
It is advisable to book in advance to ensure you secure a tee time
Bookings can be made via the course's official website
There are also hotel and golf packages available to book online.
The Arnold Palmer-designed course opened in 2004 and quickly gained a reputation as one of the best in Portugal
It has hosted the DP World Tour's Portugal Masters since 2007
The Algarve course and host of the Portugal Masters is one of the best in the country - here's how you can play it
One of Europe’s premier golf destinations is Portugal’s Algarve and Vilamoura’s Dom Pedro Victoria is one of the best courses in the country
The course is an Arnold Palmer creation
and the course has hosted the Portugal Masters since three years after it opened in 2004
it even hosted a high-profile tournament before that
But what makes the course so appropriate for tournaments
It’s partly to do with its punitive water and sand found throughout
if you thought your round would become easier as it goes on
the increased frequency of water will make you think otherwise
while strategically placed bunkers are also a regular consideration
Players have to wait until the penultimate hole to experience the course's signature hole
It is also the longest on the course at 588 yards
making it one of the more difficult holes on the course
The par-4 18th has water down the left-hand side with bunkers on the right
while the green is again dominated by water around it
the 168-yard par-3 eighth is the course's shortest hole
tee shots falling short of it will almost certainly find the enormous bunker in front of it
possibly the most picturesque hole is the 14th with two fairways separated by a waterline and waterfalls leading to an elevated green
The course is open to the public and you can book a round online with green fees from approximately €130
There are also additional costs to hire items including electric trolleys and golf clubs
There are packages available to stay at one of the three Dom Pedro hotels in Vilamoura and play at five courses
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Mike HallNews WriterMike has over 25 years of experience in journalism
including writing on a range of sports throughout that time
Now a freelance staff writer for Golf Monthly
he is dedicated to covering the game's most newsworthy stories.
He has written hundreds of articles on the game
from features offering insights into how members of the public can play some of the world's most revered courses
to breaking news stories affecting everything from the PGA Tour and LIV Golf to developmental Tours and the amateur game.
Mike grew up in East Yorkshire and began his career in journalism in 1997
He then moved to London in 2003 as his career flourished
where he and his wife raise their young family less than a mile from his local course.
Kevin Cook’s acclaimed 2007 biography
about golf’s founding father and son
remains one of his all-time favourite sports books
The deal includes Dom Pedro Garajau and Dom Pedro Machico
British asset manager Arrow Global has completed the purchase of hotels and golf courses from the Dom Pedro Group in Portugal
Dom Pedro Vilamoura and Dom Pedro Portobelo in Vilamoura; Dom Pedro Lagos in Lagos; Dom Pedro Garajau and Dom Pedro Machico in Madeira
The deal also includes five golf courses in Vilamoura: Laguna
The company intends to modernise and refurbish the hotels and golf courses to attract more customers and diversify the geographic base to markets
Arrow Global’s subsidiary Norfin Serviços managed the entirety of the purchase process
Arrow Global Fund principal John Calvao said: “Acquired on behalf of funds managed by Arrow Global
the purchase of the Dom Pedro hotels significantly augments Arrow’s real estate assets under management and underscores the robust potential we see in this highly attractive destination
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard
Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis
“By bringing Dom Pedro assets under our management in conjunction with our previous acquisition of Vilamoura World
we express our unwavering dedication to positioning Vilamoura and Portugal as a leading global destination.”
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Researchers from Museu Paulista correct details of the route taken by Dom Pedro on September 7
before climbing into the Serra do Mar coastal mountain range to arrive in the city of São Paulo
Contrary to what has been stated in some history books
couldn’t have made that portion of his journey on horseback
because there was no overland passage between the island of Santos and the mainland at the time
when they climbed through the mountains along the winding
cobblestone path known as the Calçada do Lorena and the prince regent shouted his famous cry “Independence or death!”
he and his 36 companions were probably riding on mules
not on dashing horses like those portrayed in the renowned painting by the artist Pedro Amerigo (1843–1905)
The mules were the safest way to climb the Serra do Mar and there are no records that they changed animals
according to recent studies by researchers at the Paulista Museum (MP)
Source Jorge Pimentel Cintra/MP-USP | Infographic Alexandre Affonso
Another conclusion from their research: the exact site of the prince’s declaration of independence is actually 200 meters north of where the historic landmark
a nine-kilometer-long stream which has since been partially channeled
The misplaced landmark was lost over time and only recovered again in 1922
during the renovation of the Parque da Independência
“We’re fixing quite a few details around the history of our independence,” says Jorge Pimentel Cintra
an engineer from the Polytechnic School and the MP
in 2013 he recreated the map of the Hereditary Captaincies and presented it in the journal Anais do Museu Paulista
he has consulted reports and graphic representations
climbed up and down the Serra do Mar several times
and spoken at length with fellow historians
José Rosael / Hélio Nobre / MP-USP / Wikimedia CommonsCalçada de Lorena
1826 watercolor by Oscar Pereira da SilvaJosé Rosael / Hélio Nobre / MP-USP / Wikimedia Commons
he redrew the map of the 64-kilometer journey Dom Pedro traveled on that decisive day from Santos to the Pátio do Colégio
It was there that the future first emperor of Brazil ended his long day’s work
That evening he went to the Opera House sporting a hastily made gold armband that read “Independência ou morte” (Independence or death)
will show a 10-minute video that takes viewers on a flight over the famous journey made between Santos and the Pátio do Colégio on Independence Day
One of the maps the museum team has developed will present the Calçada do Lorena
the first paved access between the capital city and the port of Santos
which was primarily used to transport sugar production from the interior of São Paulo State
who traveled the path marking the coordinates with a GPS device (see table and map)
From the Imperial Palace to the Pátio do Colégio The journey that culminated in the Proclamation of Independence had begun almost a month earlier
determined to form alliances with landowners
and prepare the ground for political separation from Portugal
the prince and his entourage left the Imperial Palace—now known as the Palácio de São Cristóvão—in Rio de Janeiro
He traveled through the villages of the Paraíba Valley
after riding about 500 kilometers on horseback
arrived in São Paulo on August 25 (see map)
descending the Calçada do Lorena to arrive at the village of Santos
visiting fortresses and the family of his minister José Bonifácio de Andrada e Silva (1763–1838)
The Minas Gerais historian Eduardo Canabrava Barreiros (1908–1981) details this part of the journey in his book Itinerário da Independência (José Olympio
“Barreiros says that Dom Pedro and his entourage passed over an embankment and crossed rivers to go from Cubatão to Santos
because this route was only built five years later,” comments Cintra
after examining the reports and maps in Barreiros’s book
His conclusion is that the travelers must have gone by ferry or fishing boat
like those portrayed in Santos at the time by the British painter and naturalist William Burchell (1781–1863)
“The route by boat passes through the Caneu estuary
and continues along the Cubatão River to the landing port,” he says
Historian and MP curator Paulo César Garcez Marins
“The correction Cintra has proposed is absolutely necessary
because what was being claimed didn’t exist in 1822.”
Léo Ramos Chaves / Revista Pesquisa FAPESPCasa do Grito
built in 1844Léo Ramos Chaves / Revista Pesquisa FAPESP
Dom Pedro and his group returned to the capital city of the Captaincy of São Paulo by ascending the Calçada do Lorena
which the museum team has now studied thoroughly
The trail’s name is a tribute to the governor of the Captaincy of São Paulo
Bernardo José Maria de Lorena (1756–1818) of Portugal
with about 700 meters of elevation change from beginning to end
the route winds a zigzagging path with 133 turns
varying in width from 3.2 meters to 4.5 meters along approximately nine kilometers of dense jungle
The Calçada was planned by military engineers
and remained in operation from 1790 to 1846
replacing “paths that were little more than primitive indigenous trails,” pointed out architect and USP professor Benedito Lima de Toledo (1934–2019) in an article published in December 2000 in the journal PosFAUUSP
“What surprised people the most was the technique used to surface it: paving with stone slabs,” Toledo wrote
The new paving technique provided for “its continual transit by troops of mules that
were beginning to be widely used in cargo transport.” Before
everything destined for the port of Santos was “carried on the shoulder of an indigene.”
the Calçada was restored in the early 1990s by Eletropaulo
later managed by the state’s environmental agency Fundação Florestal
and recently consigned for private-sector commercialization in 2020
It was opened to visitors the following year and currently receives 3,000 to 5,000 people per month
according to biologist Maycon de Oliveira Morais
“We’ve learned a lot from the museum staff,” he says
Cintra and his team mapped the first stretch
measuring two kilometers that’s still closed to tourists
from 150 meters elevation down to sea level
was subsumed by the Presidente Bernardes refinery
The researchers were unable to gain access to examine this part of the Calçada
the Calçada originally passed in front of the Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem chapel
in the center of São Bernardo do Campo,” the researcher observes
He retraced the route using a map from the São Paulo Geographic and Geological Commission from the year 1900
drawn up by order of Rafael Tobias de Aguiar (1794–1857)
The prince regent also passed in front of what is now the Mauá Institute of Technology and twice crossed over the Meninos River before reaching Ipiranga
no physical record remains of the Calçada in these locations
Dom Pedro and his entourage were on a hill next to Ipiranga Creek when they were met by two messengers
They were delivering four separate letters to the prince sent by his wife Leopoldina (Leopoldina Carolina Josefa de Habsburgo-Lorena
and his friend Henry Chamberlain (1796–1844)
describing the conflicts with Portugal and urging him to politically separate from the mother country
instructions from the Portuguese Cortes (constitutional assemblies) were demanding the prince’s immediate return and the arrest of José Bonifácio
There are two accounts of what happened next
Wikimedia CommonsIndependência ou morte (Independence or death)
oil on canvas painted in 1888 by Pedro AméricoWikimedia Commons
Pedro I e o grito da Independência (Dom Pedro I and the cry of independence) (Melhoramentos
by historian Francisco de Assis Cintra (1887–1947)
The historian records the following report by one of the prince’s companions
Father Belchior Pinheiro de Oliveira (1775–1856): “Dom Pedro
Then he turned to me and said: ‘What now
Father Belchior?’ And I promptly replied: ‘If Your Highness does not make yourself king of Brazil
There is no other way but independence and separation.’”
they contemptuously call me a boy and a Brazilian
now they’ll see what this little boy is worth
From now on our relations are broken; I want nothing more to do with the Portuguese government and I proclaim Brazil
he turned to his aide-de-camp: “Tell my guard that I’ve just declared Brazil’s independence
We are separated from Portugal.” Then he proclaimed independence again
The second account is told by the commander of that honor guard
As presented in the Historia do Brasil-Reino e Brasil-Imperio (Pinheiro
by the historian Alexandre Jose de Mello (1816–1882)
[the prince regent] stopped his animal and
The ties that bound us to the Portuguese government are forever broken
I invite them to do likewise.’ And taking the blue and white ribbon from his hat
and was followed in this by the entire guard who
… ‘And long live free and independent Brazil!’ cried Dom Pedro
‘Long live free and independent Brazil
its perpetual defender!’ … And the prince shouted on: ‘Our motto from now on shall be: Independence or death!’
we repeated: ‘Independence or death!’”
To discover exactly where all this took place
and GPS and measured the distance between Ipiranga Creek
the bridge was located a little to the right of the current green metallic footbridge
and a little to the south of the current watercourse
which was moved during construction of the Monument to Independence,” he wrote in a December 2021 article in the Anais do Museu Paulista
that’s what everyone asks of our magnanimous prince
rivers of blood will flow in this great and noble land
due to the oppression of the Cortes; [stay] in this land that esteems Your Highness so highly and which Your Highness esteems so highly.”
Excerpt from José Bonifacio’s letterIn 1825
as a result of a São Paulo City Council meeting that was held on-site
with assistance from surveyors and people to witness the proclamation
a landmark was placed 405 meters from the bridge
without considering the location of the original landmark—which had probably been removed—a new landmark was implanted
a stone placed 200 meters from the point determined by the initial measurement
which differs from reports that the prince regent had been halfway up a hill
“The stone was buried and lost a short time later
but the location was kept as if it were correct,” comments the MP researcher
German doctor and ornithologist Hermann Von Ihering (1850–1930)
took his doubts about the exact location to a debate with colleagues from the Historical and Geographical Institute of São Paulo (IHGSP)
a commission coordinated by engineer Antonio de Toledo Piza e Almeida (1848–1905)
confirmed the previous measurement was in error
and installed a flagpole in the correct location 405 meters from the old Ipiranga bridge
Removed in 1922 during a renovation of the Parque da Independência
they were never replaced—the landmark is now in the museum’s collection
“Since 1922 nothing else has been done,” comments Cintra
“so the most precise site of the ‘Cry of Independence’ remains ignored and undistinguished
the future emperor and his entourage were in all likelihood riding the much safer and tougher mules
which were used primarily for speed on flat terrain
did Pedro Américo portray them mounted on horses in the famous painting Independência ou Morte
the work is to this day considered the most important piece in the Paulista Museum
“The conventions of European history painting determined that the mounts in heroic or battle scenes had to be horses,” Marins argues
“That was the proper way to represent the past
Painting mules would have shown a lack of decorum.”
Américo painted the work on commission from the imperial government
inspired by the French artist Ernest Meissonier (1815–1891)
who had painted the Battle of Friedland (1875)
He exhibited the work for the first time in Florence
in a ceremony attended by the Emperor of Brazil Dom Pedro II (1825–1891) and the British Queen Victoria (1819–1901)
the work was exhibited at the inauguration of the Paulista Museum
and has remained in its great hall ever since
Américo was not the only artist to embellish the scene
In addition to showing the prince and his guard on horses
the French painter François-René Moreaux (1807–1860) included children
and men and women embracing each other in his painting The Proclamation of Independence
hangs in the Imperial Museum of Petrópolis
they are interpretations of the past,” emphasizes Marins
Books BARREIROS, E. C. Itinerário da Independência. Rio de Janeiro: José Olympio, 1972. CINTRA, A. D. Pedro I e o grito da Independência; transcrição de documentos. São Paulo: Melhoramentos, 1921. MORAES, A. J. de M. Historia do Brasil-Reino e Brasil-Imperio
© Revista Pesquisa FAPESP - All rights reserved
Dom Pedro has opened Dom Pedro Residences, the new luxury apartment development in Vilamoura, managed by DETAILS – Hospitality, Sports & Leisure
said “These new apartments are the latest addition to a hotel offering that makes Vilamoura a must-see destination for guests seeking quality”
“This is a world-class destination for families
and visitors who enjoy a cosmopolitan holiday that offers a 360-degree experience
The apartments have been designed to the highest standards and are equipped with the necessary amenities for a memorable stay – including access to rooftop terraces equipped with a jacuzzi and sun lounger area
Residents and guests of these apartments also have access to the benefits available at the Dom Pedro Hotels on preferential terms
the Dom Pedro Hotels & Golf Collection portfolio in Vilamoura includes three hotels
five golf courses – including the Old Course
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He became an apprentice in the family trade at the age of 14 and later went on to become a student at the School of Design in Phorzheim
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