Jo’s Monday walk : Enchanting Castro Marim

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The period just after Christmas can be an enchanting time to be in the Algarve.  Especially if you are lucky and the skies are awash with blue.  Each of the towns and villages have their own Presepio de Natal or Nativity scene, and these vary from life size models to much simpler displays in a church, or a shop window.  I hope to share a few of these with you, but today we’re taking a short walk to find a rather special one.

You may remember Castro Marim as the scene of a remarkable Medieval Fair each August.  The town lies right at the border with Spain, looking out over the River Guadiana.  Alongside the river lie a series of centuries old salt pans.  A high quality salt is harvested here and, for the first time ever, 3 tons of it have formed the basis of the local Nativity scene.  It is a startling and beautiful sight.

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The detail is extraordinary.  The trees are delicately crafted from wisps of plants, and every conceivable craft is depicted in amongst them.  Did you notice the pumpkin patch, and the birds protecting their eggs up on the rooftop? And the storks aloft upon the chimney?  You probably need to click on the gallery for a closer look.  If you like, you can throw a few coins, in appreciation.

The Presepio de Natal is very conveniently and easily signed from the main parking area in Castro Marim, and takes place on Rua 25 de Abril. Maybe a date for next year’s diary?  But as we are here in the centre of town I’m sure you’d like a look around.  Any potential kings among you?

Climb the steps to the Igreja Matriz and you have sweeping views of the town and its surrounds. You can peep through the grills of the church at the regal azulejo panel, and spy on the locals hanging out their washing.

A little meandering will bring you within sight of the gardens of Revelim de St. Antonio.  You cannot miss them because they are crowned by a windmill.  But first I have to warn you, there’s a bit of a climb.

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I was delighted to find that the restaurant at the summit was open.  Can you imagine a nicer spot to linger over a coffee laced with cream?

It made the climbing a few steps entirely worthwhile.  I hope you enjoyed this gentle saunter. I’m saving the strenuous stuff for later.

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Thank you all for your patience.  I have tried to pop in on a few of you but, if I’ve missed you, please accept my apologies.  I’m travelling back to the UK today so my responses won’t be immediate but I’ll get there as soon as I can.  Meantime, pop that kettle on!  You have some fine walks to enjoy.

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Nothing beats a canalside stroll in my book.  Thanks for being so patient, Anabel :

Glasgow canal walks

Jackie’s been out and about chasing a bit of magic :

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

And Woolly had a grand time ‘In Brugge’.  There are some beautiful images!

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It gets pretty cold in Bavaria but it’s so beautiful!  Thanks for sharing, Lady Lee :

Freezing in Freising 

Much warmer where lovely Becky was.  We managed to meet up again in the Algarve :

It maybe midwinter but it doesn’t feel like it

I thought I’d lost Susan, but fortunately she has kept right on walking :

Walking with Vultures

And Violet Sky’s been busy looking for bargains at Honest Ed’s :

Honestly

What would a walk be without Drake for company?

Hjem til Aarhus

And the ‘other’ Susan has some lovely ideas for strolling in New York City :

Take a Stroll with Me Through Rockefeller Park

Isn’t it kind when people remember you when you’re far away?  Thanks, Elaine :

Glen Finglas Reservoir

Hope the new year is progressing well for you.  See you soon with more walks and reminiscences.

 

137 comments

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  7. I’ve just found you through Anabel’s blog – what fantastic photos. A great view from outside the restaurant, and that salt nativity scene is beautiful – the detail is amazing 🙂

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  8. Thanks for sharing this! It is such a work of art and labour of love. So clever to use salt to create snow. The details are extraordinary. I love the woodfire oven and the bread on the side. The tile work in Portugal, always extraordinary.
    Peta

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  9. So much magic here, Jo. The nativity scene in salt is exquisite. It makes me think how very entranced my four-year old self would have been to see such a thing. Even my old cynical self is delighted. I can see why you love the Algarve. The light. That sky! Here in Shropshire we have DULL, followed by a whole week of DULL. Thanks for the sunlight, lovely you.

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    1. We landed in thick fog, and met our son who currently has a work dilemma, Tish, then headed home in rush hour traffic. It’s ‘sort of’ nice to be back. 🙂 Lots of nice things to share, and tons of blue sky coming your way.

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  10. Pingback: A stroll in the grounds of Scone Palace – The Glasgow Gallivanter

  11. Welcome back Monday walks! And with a stunner. For some reason, I wasn’t expecting you till next week – but luckily I am ready for you! Just putting the finishing touches to another stroll now. Hope you have had a safe journey.

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    1. I wasn’t sure if I’d manage a walk for today, Anabel, but as this is Christmas related I wanted to get it up swiftly. We did have a couple of laidback evenings with the laptop, so here I am. Just! 🙂 🙂

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  14. Oh wow, Jo. Did I read that correctly, that the nativity scene is made up of salt? That is incredible, natural salt produced there just like that. That part of Castro Marim is really special and lucky you got to see and snap these up-close beautiful shots. Cream laced with coffee sounds delicious. I would have that if I drank coffee, but I’d have a chocolate laced with cream, thank you 🙂

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  16. What a lovely, gentle saunter, Jo! The silhouette of the 3 kings is great, and the salt nativity scene stunning in its detail! Have a good journey home, and prepare yourself for a cold, wet England!

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  17. Jo, thank you for being gentle with us! 😀 Ah…to saunter in some warmth instead of the brisk walks in the cold. The nativity scenes in the salt are hauntingly beautiful, captivating, thank you for sharing and I’ve enjoyed looking through them all. So well laid out and fantastic detail. I also like the silhouette nativity outline. Happy 2017!😀♥️

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