Peniche is a seaside city in the Oeste region, in the historical province of Estremadura in Portugal. It is known for its long beaches that are ideal for surfing, bodyboarding, windsurfing and kite surfing. These beaches are consistently windy and the waves form powerful tubes giving it the nickname "The European Pipeline", after the Banzai Pipeline in Hawaii. This quaint coastal city is dominated by the Peniche Fortress and is an idyllic place to gaze at history. It was built between 1557 – 1558 on the site of the former Castle of Atouguia da Baleia, but there have been numerous modifications since. Over the years, it was used to fight off the Barbary Pirates, served through many wars and became a maximum-security political prison. The prison setting reminds you of the setting and conditions in the movie Papillon with Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman. From the sea, you can enter the fort under a rock bridge into a little quiet cove that feels surreal. If you can picture a Spanish-style coastal fort, this is the one. They even filmed a couple episodes of the 1990’s Horatio Hornblower series here due to this setting. It's a fantastic city and place to wonder for the day with your camera…and boy will you be busy snappin’ away! Don’t worry, there are some great little cafés to duck into during the heat of the day for a cold Super Bock. Peniche is a little out of the way for most tourists, but it is an unexpected surprise with a lot of hidden gems. This bracelet is a homage to Peniche, especially the fort because of its colors and textures. The Matte Yellow Mountain Jade sooooo resembles the color and texture of the fort’s internal yellow walls and buildings---so colorful! The Large 1960’s era Resin Bead, Hand-Carved Ox Bone and Yak Horn add a very cultural flavor to this piece. Also included is an Antique Spanish 1949 50 Centimos Coin (with a very cool Anchor on it) that shouts out to its Portuguese and Spanish history and coastal influence. A Bone Mala Skull is included to remind you of those that came before you that have stood on those walls to gaze at the beautiful blue sea for its bounty and eminent dangers.