Well, if you love blue tiles, then Portugal is the right place for you. Azulejos (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azulejo) are everywhere and there's a church that is completely decorated in them. It feels like being surrounded by one of those old tiled stoves. I wasn't allowed to take any pictures, but you can see it here (http://www.activityalgarve.com/images/sightseeing/Almancil_San-Lourenco.jpg). (Sorry, not the biggest pic, but it's the best I can do right now.)
Hm. The bullet holes - funny, my dad was convinced that that's what those holes are. I actually think it's an attempt to get the moisture and damp out of the walls but I could be wrong.
Very interesting to see. It's hard for me to imagine being able to walk around buildings that are that old. We just don't have anything like that here in the U.S.
We do have loads of old buildings around, but even for me, they're still special. My aunt and uncle live in a 17th century house and it's amazing.
I'm kind of used to museums and when everything has been restored some of the magic disappears. This convent was very different - there are people living in the part that isn't ruined and there is next to no info about it available. There was a plaque on the summit of Foia, but I don't quite remember what it said - I think the convent was built because someone was lost on the ocean and he vowed to build a church if he was saved.
I can see how it would be very special. I've always found myself drawn to old things and places. I get swept away in the romance and the history. I'd love to have the historical places around me that Europeans have.
Yes, I think I've seen the 'exile' translation somewhere and no, it's not Romanesque - it's not old enough by a couple of centuries.
I'm not very good with architectural styles and then there are always little differences between European countries, but I'll wager a guess and say it's probably an example of Renaissance architecture (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Architecture_of_Portugal#Renaissance_and_Mannerism_.28c.1520_-_c.1650.29) or the Plain Style unique to Portugal.
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Date: 2007-08-13 08:50 pm (UTC)They look like bullet holes on the wall inside the church!
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Date: 2007-08-14 12:50 pm (UTC)Hm. The bullet holes - funny, my dad was convinced that that's what those holes are. I actually think it's an attempt to get the moisture and damp out of the walls but I could be wrong.
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Date: 2007-08-13 11:55 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-08-14 12:58 pm (UTC)We do have loads of old buildings around, but even for me, they're still special. My aunt and uncle live in a 17th century house and it's amazing.
I'm kind of used to museums and when everything has been restored some of the magic disappears. This convent was very different - there are people living in the part that isn't ruined and there is next to no info about it available. There was a plaque on the summit of Foia, but I don't quite remember what it said - I think the convent was built because someone was lost on the ocean and he vowed to build a church if he was saved.
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Date: 2007-08-14 09:24 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-08-15 03:38 pm (UTC)Have you done much travelling to Europe? I can't remember.
If not, you should definitely come over and feel the history.
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Date: 2007-08-14 10:05 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-08-15 03:04 pm (UTC)Yes, I think I've seen the 'exile' translation somewhere and no, it's not Romanesque - it's not old enough by a couple of centuries.
I'm not very good with architectural styles and then there are always little differences between European countries, but I'll wager a guess and say it's probably an example of Renaissance architecture (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Architecture_of_Portugal#Renaissance_and_Mannerism_.28c.1520_-_c.1650.29) or the Plain Style unique to Portugal.
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Date: 2007-08-15 10:56 pm (UTC)