Bussaco Battlefield

During the Peninsular War, the Battlefield of Bussaco (or Buçaco) in Portugal saw a British-Portuguese triumph over the French. The French Marshal André Masséna's headquarters are open to the public, as is the adjoining military museum.

The Bussaco Battlefield, which took place on September 27, 1810, and marked the start of the three-year Peninsular War, saw Lord Wellington's Anglo-Portuguese army defeat French forces. The British began the Siege of Ciudad Rodrigo in April of 1810, after Emperor Napoleon had ordered his marshal Masséna to push them out of Portugal.

Visitors can now walk along the battle ridge lines, marveling at the attacking French's exceedingly difficult ascent. At the battlefield's southern end, there is a small museum with historical weapons and maps of the action. Those who want to relive the war can stay at the inviting Grand Palace Hotel, which is located in the beautiful Bussaco Forest and was once a 17th century monastery where Wellington slept before returning to the battle's crescendo. The region is also well-known for its excellent wine.

Location: Bussaco