WILLING TO JOIN ME?

There was a time when Lisbon seemed to have more churches than Rome, including around 90 convents. The Catholic Church was Portugal's main land owner and the area around Moorish neighbourhoods was often referred to as 'Mini Rome' for its concentration of religious buildings.

On Twesday, I visited one of those, the 17th century Church and Monastery of St. Vincent Outside Walls. I had thought that if could take a photo of the old clock mechanism, that might suit this week's Next Shot theme 'Closer than Usual'. 

The Church and Monastery is one of the most important Mannerist buildings in Lisbon and in the country and also the burial site of most Portuguese kings and queens.

After a quick visit to the Church interior, the general design of whose interior follows that of the  Church of Il Gesú, in Rome, I reached the Monastery through a gate located beside the church façade.

The sacristy of the Monastery is exuberantly decorated with polychromed marble and paintings. The cloisters are also notable for the 18th century hand-painted tiles that tell the history of the Monastery, including scenes of the Siege of Lisbon, in 1147. 

The first floor is mainly occupied by displays of  archaeological artifacts that belonged to the Monastery in the old times and hand painted tile panels representing fables of La Fontaine. 

Ok, all were beautiful but photographing the old clock mechanisms was my target. 

Half way up the tower gave me the chance to get nice views. More steps were waiting for me... The stairway was dark and narrow but my strong wish made me forget about it. I eagerly wanted to see the old clock and take a photo of it. I never got discouraged and up I went until I found myself before my target: the old clock mechanism. Old, rusty, silent... beautiful! Despite the unfavourable light circumstances and the fact that it was protected by a gate window with iron bars, the photos were satisfactory.

Exiting the tower and getting onto the upper terrace itsef was another experience - what a view! I could actually see the river and the ships navigating it and of course beyond that far off towns.

Hope you enjoy the slide-show and your afternoon with me...

~~ HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND ~~