Bagpipes in Portugal? Yes, actually. Portugal’s Celtic history is alive and well in Trás-os-Montes, where the Celtic connection dates to 2000 BCE. The ancient language of Mirandês is still spoken here, and the landscape is sprinkled with more than 3,500 pombais, pigeon houses with horseshoe-shaped rooftops.
In Miranda do Douro, festivals keep alive the tradition of bagpipers who play instruments called gaita-de-fole transmontana. Male dancers who clack wooden sticks and wear costumes of white kilts, black waistcoats and colorful scarves perform dances related to ancient Celtic fertility rites.
Be sure to make time for Lisbon on your way in or out of the country. For great lodging, consider Pousada de Lisboa Terreiro do Paço, an historic Pombaline building perfectly situated in the historic area of Terreiro do Paço in Praca do Comércio. Gorgeous details vary from room to room, including features such as vaulted ceilings, balconies and exquisite city views.
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