Photo | © Diane Dias

The Story of
Queen Isabel
In the late 13th century during a severe famine throughout Portugal, a compassionate Queen Isabel was determined to help her starving subjects. Legend has it that during her efforts she was confronted by the very harsh King Diniz while crossing the royal courtyard with crown jewels (in some versions of the story it was bread) hidden in her apron.

The King asked the Queen what she was carrying in her apron, and she responded “roses” although it was mid-winter and none were blooming. But when her apron was opened for the king’s inspection, the jewels had been miraculously converted to roses. The miracle allowed the Queen to continue to sell her jewelry to feed the starving Portuguese population.