Bowe and Sapieha bring together the architectural influences and present-day significance of Portugal's magnificent villas and gardens. Their lavishly illustrated and beautifully produced presentation is a tantalizing array of grand estates found throughout Portugal, from the region encircling Lisbon northward to the Mondego River valley to the Douro and Minho regions to south of the Tagus River. The narration provides elements of Portugal's rich history, providing a context for hundreds of gorgeous photographs offering breathtaking images of formidable buildings and stunning views, extraordinary tile work and gilded interiors, carved stone traceries, lyrical curvilinear parterres, and the venerable patina of ancient stone and rock. Certainly a large audience will be interested in the aspects of architecture and design that are illuminated here. -- booklist -- amazon.com
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