Castro Marim Medieval Fair 2015 (1)

The castle at Castro Marim

The castelo at Castro Marim

Seldom have I seen such a sleepy little place so transformed, and yet you have only to look at these fortifications to know that Castro Marim has a turbulent past.  Situated at the cut and thrust of the Portuguese border with Spain, the Medieval Fair brings back to life the mighty fortress of São Sebastião.  In the 14th century the castle was a stronghold of the Knights Templar, but it fell into disuse when additional fortifications were built on the hill opposite, in the 17th century.  The fortress is seldom open to the public so I was delighted to find it playing a major role in the festival.

If you’re interested in the history of Castro Marim the link will tell you more.  For myself, I’m going to take a quiet stroll, before the crowds descend.

The church is looking wonderfully festive

The church is looking wonderfully festive

You can click on any of the galleries below to see the photos in more detail.

The town banner proudly displayed
The stalls almost ready for action
With everyone keen to join in
These steps won't be empty for long!

These steps won’t be empty for long!

Time to ascend the steps to the fortress

Time to ascend to the fortress, above the village rooftops

You can see it was built on solid ground!

You can see it was built on solid ground!

The view across to distant Spain

The view across to the castle, and in the distance, Spain

This guy looked very fierce, so I only took a back view!
The horses were sheltered from the hot sun
The people too, planning the day ahead
Or maybe it’s time for tea?

It was a sultry day and not hard to get into the mood.  From within the fortress came grunts and clangs, the ‘masters’ putting the youth through their paces.  A smattering of people looked on, choosing a favourite.

Who will come off best?

Who will come off best?

I was astounded by the thickness of the walls

I was astounded by the thickness of the walls

Surmounted by a lookout
With views of the salt pans and beyond
A plan of the layout
The bridge to Spain is just visible

The bridge across the River Guadiana to Spain is just visible, behind the castle

I’m ready to saunter back down into the streets, where the parade is about to start.  Before I do, I’d like to link this post to Ed Mooney’s Capturing History Challenge, which I’ve been meaning to join for a week or two.  He’ll explain how it works to you, and I’ll be back tomorrow with the parade and a look inside the castle.  Join me then?

78 comments

  2. I feel as if I’ve travelled back through the ages, the photos capture stunningly a place where time stood still. What a mysterious place and extra special with the fair and re-enactments. Lovely.

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  3. Yeah you did it again, do invite for a wonderful inspiring walk – Yes “built on solid ground”, impressive constructions especially in view of the tools and equipment – which they haven’t had access to at that time… 🙂

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    1. Thanks, Drake! I’ve been saving this one because I took so many photos. It’s just the perfect setting for something like this. (I’m busy watching Rafa with hope in my heart. Will come and visit you soon 🙂 )

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    1. Ha! Somebody finally sussed me out, Sue! 🙂 I don’t need a lot of sleep but unfortunately my ‘transport’ does. He deliberately ‘hides’ in bed for as long as he can 🙂 Thanks, hon! I’m up pretty early this morning, watching Rafa playing tennis in China. (one of my vices 🙂 )

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  8. What? Another challenge? And History… oh, dare I take a look? What is it about your Portugal images? They always look so warm and soft focused – must be all that blue and white. I hope that walk up to the fort wasn’t too steep and you had a footpath. Clambering over those rocks could be a little daunting. I do like a bit of medieval jousting and your shadows photo is perfect 🙂

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    1. I’ve just upgraded, Cindy, so it may still be unstable. Should be ok from today (I hope 🙂 ) Are you? I’m excited for you! Where will you stay? Have you sorted the details yet? 🙂

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  10. This place looks so steeped in history, Jo. What a great opportunity to get there at the right time (no accident, I presume) 😉 I’m really looking forward to taking a look inside 😀

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  15. Thanks for taking me back! I love that first shot – the sharp solidity of the whiteness. How often do they need to paint / whitewash to maintain that look? Or is the paint secretly peeling? Doesn’t look like it. the castle shots are great too.

    (The tea drinking photo has my rug on the floor.)

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    1. You have that rug? 🙂 I wondered what he was smiling about 🙂 🙂 They are pretty nippy with the whitewash. It’s done every other year in a lot of cases. This did look newly done for the festival.

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      1. Bought the rug in Dahab, after a hilarious bargaining session between my daughter and the seller in Arabic – at least their demeanour suggested hilarious. Arabic is yet another language I don’t speak.

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  16. What a lovely day to take us back in time and before the crowds ascend. I’m so glad you show us Portugal because I’ll most likely not get there despite being smitten through your photo sojourns.

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      1. Hi Jo! I’m moved, holidayed (2 weeks in Lanzarote with friends), and settling in…. Most of the boxes have been unpacked, feels like home in my lounge/dining room, met a few neighbours. I’m hopefully having my old clock put up at the weekend, so that’s another box! Onwards and upwards!

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  20. That’s great that you got to see this great castle and go back in time! I love the feeling of being in a place that has been through so much!

    I can’t wait to see part 2, inside the castle 🙂

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