Last week, I got on a train that, rolling through vast and green plains stretching to the horizon - often flooded by the river Tagus -, took me to the city of Santarém.
From the popular Jardim das Portas do Sol (The Sun Gate Park) – that is encircled by the city’s medieval walls, I could afford magnificent views of the district’s plains and river.
The city is home to several churches, most of them of Gothic style, which makes Portuguese people call it the capital city of Gothic style in Portugal.
The photo below pictures the so-called Torre das Cabaças (Bottle Gourds Tower). Its name has to do with the eight calabashes (now replaced by ceramic pots) at the top of the tower used to make the sound of the bell louder and be heard in the villages nearby. For a long time, popular opinion has considered them to represent the empty heads of the councillors who had been responsible for ordering the construction of such a crude, clumsy-looking tower...
Some of you who know me for many years already, won't be surprised with the collage below. I love markets: colourful places with a variety of produces, with nice blends of scents, making them be something like an edible and perfumed patchwork...
Hope you give me the pleasure of being guided by me through the city...
~~ Enjoy the weekend ~~
~~ Thanks for stopping by ~~
I am going to have to find a partner in crime to go on train trips with. You have reminded me how much I love trains and my country is beautiful. Not so much a bus as I get car sick. A lot of food for thought I think.
ReplyDeleteI would love to be fit enough to walk long distances as I loved doing that too. I am tired of being housebound due to health issues.
Your photos are brilliant and I loved the video. I have always found the Gothic era interesting and still do.
Have a lovely weekend my friend.
Hi Shayna! I see, you, like me, love train journeys... I understand your getting tired... Several years ago, I had a housebound experience and it was tough, somehow! I sincerely hope as days of warmth are coming soon at your place, you will feel much better than now...
DeleteThanks for your kind words, which I always appreciate.,,
The city is really amazing... I like his medieval architecture... The photos are gorgeous... Very inviting ...
ReplyDeleteHi Viera! It's not a large city but it's pretty, somehow!
DeleteThanks for the visit and comment.
those are beautiful views, interesting churches and buildings, [good humor about the bells, lol] and even a street with my name! I have enjoyed walking the market, wandering the streets, and coming along to a very lovely city. ~ monica
ReplyDeleteHi Mo! You can believe me... as I saw that street name I immediately thought of you and pointed my camera at it...
DeleteThanks for having accepted my suggestion... Walking together with you was a true pleasure...
You are an excellent guide! I hope to visit your country, maybe during 2016 :-) ~~ Amalie~~
ReplyDeleteHi Amalie! Thanks for your kind words which I take as a compliment... Any time, Portugal and myself are ready and willingly to welcome you... Think about it...
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