Monday, October 13, 2008

Hotel Palácio


During World War II, with Portugal’s neutrality, Estoril was a haven for European royalty, and became known as the 'Coast of Kings'. Hotel Palácio (built 1930) was home to various royals, but was also frequented by both British and German spies, who often met for drinks at our Estoril Bar. Later, these stories of intrigue and espionage inspired various famous books and films, with the hotel providing a stage for the James Bond movie, 'On Her Majesty’s Secret Service'. (Hotel Palácio)

11 comments:

bitingmidge said...

It looks like a postcard.

I loved yesterdays feeding frenzy too!

Sunshine Coast Daily - Australia

Tanya Breese said...

Gorgeous, love the lamp post...now I'll have to rent the movie :)

Joy said...

Nice capture - the blue sky and the clouds and the palm trees complemented the whole composition.

Thanks for visiting Norwich Daily Photo and leaving your comments. Have a great Monday!

joy
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Kate said...

Some buildings have more notoriety than others! It is a formidable structure, too.

Olivier said...

la vue sur la première photo est superbe.

Neva said...

Portugal looks like a fascinating place to visit....this is such a pretty picture!

Jane Hards Photography said...

This is the kind of narrative in a post I find fascinating to go along with such a fabulous image.

Hilda said...

The things one learns by blogging! I didn't know about Portugal's neutrality.

The hotel looks fabulous and I just love that lamp in your first photo!

Saretta said...

Fascinating history! Thanks for telling about it!

Jules said...

Wow I do remember that hotel from the movie!!! You have the most amazing buildings in your corner of the world - just gorgeous!!!!

Am off to Australia tomorrow, i will still post but can't visit. take care and will catch up when i get back my friend.

Raquel Sabino Pereira said...

I was born here!!!!!!!!