Situated on the southern slopes of Serra da Estrela, the highest mountain of mainland Portugal and the only place in the country with a ski resort, the city of Covilhã is becoming the centre of urban art in its region. There is a Festival that honours Covilhã’s glorious past as one of the most important wool-producing cities in Portugal and aims to be a major urban art reference in the country.
So, I would suggest you to join me and go on a street art tour. I think I hear some of you saying "Yes, yes!".
There are staircases linking the various levels of the hilly city but let's take a modern lift of free use.
So, I would suggest you to join me and go on a street art tour. I think I hear some of you saying "Yes, yes!".
There are staircases linking the various levels of the hilly city but let's take a modern lift of free use.
Let's stop here for a while and admire this beautiful blue and white, tiled covered church, dating back to the 16th century.
When a building is abandoned - and since the Twenties, the number of factories has fallen from 220 to six - many artists have applied for permission to brighten their outer walls.
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| When I grow up I want to be happy |
Now, you better ask your legs whether or not they are in a condition so as to walk farther up a steep, narrow street. I heard no objection which means let's go ahead with our tour.
Oh, look at your right side. You see a shop window with interesting displays. How about stepping into the store? No objection from anyone. Great! We meet the owner, a nice Spanish lady, married to a Portuguese architect who, a few years ago, found out this former grocery and changed it into a multi-brand store, selling exclusively Portuguese made products. The shop has kept its original name 'Tentadora' (Portuguese word for Tempter)... a name that suits the store, perfectly...
I wonder how your feet must be aching. Shoes, like art, aren't always designed to make you feel comfortable.
Prior to heading back to our starting point, the main square, keep your eyes wide open and see what is surrounding us...
We are now at the main square...
Time to wave farewell to the city👋
~~ I was very pleased to have you touring with me ~~
Ah, you heard me saying "yes yes". Are my legs sturdy enough for the climb up a steep street? For art, of course. I loved touring with you! (And oddly enough I can comment here, but not on "Picture This". Life is full of mysteries.) The church with blue and white tile I keep coming back to look at. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and colourful countryside... Lovely pictures...
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful wonderful place!! I was saying "Yes!! Yes!!" immediately. It's good that there's a lift, but i might feel adventurous and try to climb those steep stairs!! Well worth it, too!! So much of interest and beauty....particularly that blue& white tiled church. Is this the place you will be spending much of your time in? You did say it was on or near a mountain, after all !!
ReplyDeleteHi Mitch! Yesss this is the nearest town from my place. I mean it's 4km far it, a distance that I normally do it on foot.
ReplyDelete