AN APPEALING TOWN

Sometimes I need to escape the frenzy of Lisbon and enjoy a blend of history, nature, cityscape and countryside. On the other day, I decided to revisit the town of Tomar where I hadn't been for ages. I did spend enjoyable hours walking along its pedestrian-friendly historic centre and its pretty riverside park. My visit coincided with a festival of human statues, an event that made the town be with more people than the usual. 

The Templar Castle, one of the highlights in the city. Built by Gualdim Pais introduces concepts in military architecture used during the Crusades in the Orient.

The main square is picturesque with its black and white checker board type pavement style.

Typical handicrafts

The Nabão river, which runs through the city, provides beautiful promenades and foot bridges to walk along and over. Since ancient times the river waters have been skillfully harnessed for irrigation of agricultural fields. Its scenery changes a little as you walk along it, from architecture to parks and views.

Sometimes I walked on art...

Others, my legs stopped and I looked at the façades...

This façade reminds passers-by of the Festival of the Trays, one of the most ancient cultural and religious events in Portugal, that is held every four years in this town.

Photo credit: Tourism of Portugal

These creatures asked my camera to focus on them for a shot...

I had time to visit the synagogue, which dates back to the 15th century.  At a part of the building next door where the baths were located - I saw excavations. Even around the edge of the room are Jewish tombstones, which show that there has been a Jewish presence in Portugal from the 8th century onward as one piece dates back to the time of the Visigoths. 

I didn't wave bye to the town without indulging my sweet tooth with a typical sweet called

fried egg..

~~Thanks for stopping by ~~

~~ Enjoy every day of this month ~~