Such a gentle invitation
Tavira, in Portugal’s Algarve, has so many churches that I often walk by without a backward glance. Taking our customary first day stroll back in April, I spotted a sign outside the Church of Santa Maria do Castelo. An invitation to a temporary exhibition of Sacred Art. My curiosity piqued, nothing for it but to step inside.
Photos were not allowed within the exhibition space, so I contented myself with absorbing the atmosphere of the empty church.
Peaceful in her alcove
The Church of Santa Maria do Castelo is a 13th century building, rebuilt after the earthquake of 1755. Believed to be on the site of a former mosque, as the name suggests, it is perched up on the hill beside the castle. All that remains of the castle are a few walls and an evocative garden.
Within the church lies the tomb of the seven knights of Santiago who, according to legend, were killed defending the town from an ambush by the Moors. The wood carving is exquisite.
The wood carving is outstanding
One of more than 30 churches in and around Tavira, this link will give you a brief introduction, if you are at all interested. Until the end of August, 12 of the towns churches will be open during the week, so now is a good opportunity to take a look.
The azulejo panels are also incredibly beautiful
Some of the artwork is overly decorative and not to everyone’s taste but it is set in a serene and beautiful white space, and the ceilings are wonderful.
As I slipped out of the door I paused to capture an angelic wood carving, and incurred the wrath of the curator. I had forgotten to take the flash off my camera. Be warned!
I left feeling very guilty, but I hope that, if you’re in the neighbourhood, you’ll stop by.
🙂 I’m glad you forgot to take the flash off 🙂 The same thing happened to me when I was shooting those frescoes in Istria (the one I took you walking with me ;)) This is a beautiful place, Jo. I absolutely love that angelic carving 🙂 🙂
It’s glorious, isn’t it, Paula? 🙂 Glad you excused my bit of naughtiness!
Beautiful photos Jo, especially the ‘stolen’ one 🙂 The Azulejo wall looks absolutely splendid!
It was just a small theft 🙂 (but I felt so guilty)
I am no stranger to how that feels 😀
Thanks for your company, hon. Hope things get better soon. Hugs! 🙂
Thanks Jo. Are you Ok? What’s with all the extra hugs?
A rough couple of weeks for Lisa, but slowly getting better. And I like hugs 🙂 🙂
Hugs back Jo. And best wishes to Lisa.
Here’s more then 😀 Take care Jo.
The wood carving was so intricate and detailed. I’m always so over whelmed at the amount of work, dedication and money that has gone into building the churches of the past. You have done a great job of showing it to us Jo, thank you.
I always feel a little intrusive taking photos in a church, Pauline, but this one was empty, and so beautiful 🙂
I do too Jo but it is usually the only reason I go in a church…
Exquisite, indeed! You captured the beauty and details of the carvings. Thank you, Jo!
I thought the figures beautiful, Amy. 🙂 Thanks a lot!
You chose the right word to describe the carving,
I always enjoy your blog, you pick subjects I like and photograph them expertly.
Because of the dedication religious art and architecture it is good.
Regardless or what religion I like to visit them all.
I expect we could have a great discussion on beliefs, Jack, and I’m sure your knowledge is far wider than mine. I’m just drawn to beautiful subjects. Thank you for your kindness 🙂
Your attraction to beauty reflects in your blog. Your taste in beauty is similar to mine making your blog a pleasure to visit, Thanks Jo.
Very beautiful, Jo. When in Porto it wasn’t allowed at all to make photos of the famous golden church. We all did anyways!! Without flashes.
I have a couple of lovely shots of the bell tower and the floodlit facades. Sweet memories 🙂
On the seafront at Great Yarmouth now. Not quite the same 🙂
I can imagine! Better weather there too? We had 30C today and after heavy storms, the temperature went down to18C. Who can like this?
I was keeping track of the French Open but thunderstorms put paid to them, I understand 😦
I was watching it too! Murray played well. Pity that they interrupted the game because of the thunderstorms.
Yes- he might well have won. Stan was a surprise, though 🙂
How did you like Stan’s trousers?
No better than anyone else, but it didn’t hinder his tennis 🙂
Not at all! He’s good!
Your photos are beautiful! Oh if those handcrafted details could talk 🙂 ♥ ❤
They’d tell some stories 🙂
Thank you for reconciling me a bit to decorated church interiors: partly thanks to you and partly thanks to the serene Madonna. Your photos are superb, especially of the carvings, which I would never have taken for wood.
Those carving shots aren’t too good but at least I didn’t use flash. Oh, the mortification 🙂
It’s lovely, and so detailed.
Beautiful. Thank you for sharing, Jo!
Glad you could join me again. 🙂 Many thanks!
I love to visit churches.The history, architecture and embellishments are all unique. Am glad you could take these and share them even if one was “by accident”.
I was doing so well, until that last shot just begged to be taken, Lynne! That angel was my undoing 🙂
Wow. Very ornate and seems very peaceful.
It was 🙂 🙂
What a very interesting interior this church has, Jo. Love your stolen flash photo. 🙂
Terrible being caught ‘red-handed’, Ad! Are you fit again now? 🙂
Much improved, thanks. 🙂 Yes, I felt your chagrin.
Good word! 🙂
these are all treasures, Jo! and thank you so much for sharing! i love the churches of old. they are evocative of grandeur and majesty and very interesting history. your photos are exquisite! 🙂
I’d forgotten how beautiful this church is, LolaWi. It’s one of so many in Tavira. 🙂 Thank you!
i’m back to see the photos again, Jo! 🙂 the wood carvings are just amazing. thanks for sharing. 🙂
Bless you, LolaWi 🙂 I’m keeping Dad company while I catch up online.
Yes, I agree … God has forgiven you. I never cease to be in awe of the majesty of the architecture, symbolism and history of our global religious past. I can’t always reconcile it with religious wars and poverty-stricken lives of worshippers compared to church leaders; nevertheless they represent such a vital part if human existence. Thus particular Mary in your photos seems so gentle and serene.
I always wish that I was more devout and accepting when I’m in the presence of true believers in these churches, Sammy. I imagine it has a great deal to do with your upbringing. 🙂
I suppose so, Jo. I was never able to embrace my parents’ chosen church, and have trouble with the hypocrisy in organized religions.
But I have a deep faith in a loving ‘presence’ and occasionally will feel it even in hallowed settings like the one you visited. I do think true faith is a very individual thing.
I’m starting a list 🙂
Get a BIG sheet of paper, Gilly 🙂
You have so many beautiful castles and churches in Portugal. I most enjoy staying in the posadas because of their history and ambiance.
I’ve only been inside a few, Bebs, but the pousadas are lovely. 🙂
Beautiful. The photo that struck me most was the simple curves of the corridor – almost gives you a rest so you can take on the richness of the interior rooms.
I know what you mean, Susan. Sometimes it can be all a little too much. 🙂 There was a lady on her knees by the altar, cleaning, and I felt quite shy to be there.
Wow -that really puts things into perspective, doesn’t it?
Beautiful pix! Looks like a grand outing. Don’t you really hate that when they disallow pix inside churches? Churches have the absolute best detail and never do they allow pix. Grief, they treat it like it’s a sacred place or something….LOL.
I have to admit that I do try to be very respectful, and if there’s a service going on I wouldn’t take photos. But it was so peaceful and lovely. Trust me! 🙂
Am sure it was…….I do trust you! I too try and be respectful……disappointed, but respectful! 🙂
Beautiful architecture Jo – there is something very humbling about waking about these churches and marveling at their impressive presence.
I’m not very religious, Mary, but I am always moved by the strength of belief of the locals, and the art work is fabulous. I don’t like to be disrespectful, if I can help it.
I have been known to draw wrath in my photo shooting as you know Jo. Lovely images of such a pretty church. always happy to follow you inside or out. Xo
I was so conscientious about taking the flash off for all my shots, Sue, but I was so taken with the angel I just put my brakes on and took the shot. Unfortunately it was right in the doorway and highly visible. Serves me right 🙂 And thanks! Hugs 🙂
How can we resist? Anything for the blog I say. 🙂
Some churches are really well decorated, it’s quite impressive !
They’re all incredibly ornate in Tavira. I don’t spend a lot of time in them but they have a very nice practise of holding regular Saturday teatime performances of music in alternating churches. There’s a music school in Tavira and it gives them a showcase. 🙂
Do you get to see the exhibition?
I did, Ann (and thanks for your many likes 🙂 ) The only shot from it is the last one, when I forgot my flash. To be truthful the chalices and robes aren’t my thing, but some of the paintings are quite moving, but mostly very dark.
I like to take a closer look at your photos, so it’s seems a good idea to like them when I have them open before me. 😉
Thank you 🙂 I appreciate it.
Thanks for that and will certainly go and look for the woodcarvings. Will be near Tavira next week!
Oh, I wish I was!!! 🙂 Never mind- some time this year we’ll be back 🙂
per il ponte del 2 giugno ( qui da noi è festa nazionale) sono stata a Lisbona, era da un po’ che desideravo tornate. così nel tuo post ritrovo molte delle emozioni che laggiù ho provato, quei caldi colori delle azulenes che vi ritrovo ( ho visitato il grande museo!
grazie come sempre delle stupende immagini
un grande abbraccio
The Museum of Azulejos? Oh, I’ve wanted to go there for such a long time, Annalisa. 🙂 I guess some day we’ll have to go back to Lisbon.
Un grande abbraccio, cara 🙂
I wish I were in your neighborhood, Jo! What a beautiful place.
I’ve been in the churches so many times over the years, Jill, but I’m still awed by the grace and beauty of them. 🙂
Beautiful place.
The churches are all lovely in Tavira, Ineke, but this is a fine example. Glad you liked it. 🙂
I would love to spend hours in them. 🙂
God will forgive you even if the curator won’t. 😉
I guess that’s the truth! 🙂 (and thanks for the smile)
Have a nice time on Sunday!