Art nouveau swept across Europe around the turn of the 20th century and was embraced by architects, graphic and interior designers and artists. The Portuguese city of Aveiro - in between Oporto and Coimbra - is said to be one out of the ten best cities in Europe where the style largely found a home... Would you like to visit it along with me? Ok, let's start wandering throughout the city...
It's Sunday and a monthly fair is held in the city centre. Let's go and notice howthings have changed since then as compared with our days....
As we walk by the man-made canals that criss-cross the city, we see the typical boats that glide along the quiet waters while colourful houses are like sunny patches on gloomy days.
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| Street pavement |
The City Hall
In the past salt production and fishing were significant economic activities. Nowadays, things have changed but the first unit (1824) producing porcelain in Portugal that has become the most well-known company is located in the area.
The city is very flat and it provides a free bike riding. It would be great if the afternoon had longer hours. We would go on a bike tour but it's getting late and we have to hurry up to reach the station in time to take the train back home...
On the way to the station, we are going to have a quick stop at a tea-room and taste some typical sweets - really very sweet. The abundant use of egg yolks in many of these specialities is related to the use of egg whites in convents and monasteries (XVI century). Egg whites were used to make communion bread and to get nuns' cornettes and habits starched. Friars and monks used the whites to clarify wines. So, for not to waste the yolks and the lots of sugar coming from the "New World" and Madeira island, the friars and nuns improved ancient recipes. The convent creativity overflowed in rich candy sugar, egg yolks and assorted nuts!!!
I was very pleased to walk along with you. Thanks for having joined me...
~~ May you have a wonderful weekend ~~
I am enchanted. So many colors, such beauty! And those pastries look wonderful. Thank you for the walk around a lovely city.
ReplyDeleteYou are always welcome, Benni!
DeleteThat was a lovely walk, Belita! Thank you for sharing your visual experiences with us. I love the architecture and the brightly colored buildings. Love that shot of you, too! Is there some special meaning to the ribbons tied there along the fence?
ReplyDeleteHi Debby! In some countries, you see padlocks which sweethearts attach to a bridge, a monument, a fence, etc. These often make the structures too much heavy with consequent harmful effects that may cause fragility. In Aveiro, lovers attach ribbons, instead. The effect is very colourful and doesn't bring about any damage.
DeleteThanks for visiting and commenting.
What colorful and lovely waterways, boats and houses! So glad you had some time for the sweets! And I loved the history of the eggs!!
ReplyDeleteHi Monica! So glad to have had you touring along with me. The history of the eggs is something that even many Portuguese don't know but that's the true reason for the sweetness of the traditional Portuguese pastry... Thanks for commenting...
DeleteThank you very much for the beautiful walk. I'm looking forward to do it live.
ReplyDeleteHi Fatos! I really hope you will do it. You are always welcome...
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