Jo’s Monday walk : Castelo de Vide

A hazy beauty, not quite real?  Looking back to just over two weeks ago, I have to wonder if I dreamt it.  But no- as so often, my photographs tell the story.  Castelo de Vide, in Portugal’s Alto Alentjo, a world away from our current woes.

I had come in search of a mighty fortress, at hilltop Marvão, and all I knew of Castelo de Vide was its spa waters, bottled on shelves as far away as the Algarve.  But where there are castles, there is often a sad interlude in history, and so it is, here.  During the Spanish Inquisition, many Jews fled across the border to make their home within these castle walls.  And the resulting Jewish quarter is like nowhere I’ve ever seen.  Complete with Synagogue, though the international crisis was catching up with even this remote place, and I was unable to look inside.

The castle itself was closed for renovation, but I had climbed the hill anyway.  How glad I was, for it was not the castle itself that was the prize.  The medieval streets within the walls were astounding, with solid stone doorways, preserved in all their beauty, though some needed a little help.

Within the castle walls, the 17th century church of Nossa Senhora da Alegria, resplendent with Moorish-styled tiles, and surrounded by the tumbling, spellbinding streets of the Juderia.  In the sleepy warmth below, the town was awakening to market day, the calls of the vendors noisily jostling for trade.  I slipped inside the main church, Santa Maria da Devasa, to pay my respects.  A lady, rummaging in her handbag, pulled out spectacles and a sheaf of music, and into the hush began to practise on the organ.  As I listened, smiling, another bustled in with two bags full of white lilies, which she placed beside the altar.  The life of the church, unchanging.

Outside the church, a modern sculpture, mother tenderly regarding small child.  And a fountain, one of 300 in the area, I’d been led to believe.  I came across several more.  In a quiet square, the Fonte da Vila, with four marble spouts, a coat of arms, and a tribute to Jewish victims.

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I was beginning to need a coffee, and hoped to sample boleima, a type of Jewish unleavened bread with apple and cinnamon.  Or something sweet.

The clock on the town hall chimed and it was time to move on.  Sadly my visit was coming to an end.  King Dom Pedro V described this town as the “Sintra of the Alentejo”, and I had felt something of the same magic.

As if sorry to see me go, the clouds began to swoop in across the hills.  I crossed the gardens, turning for one last look.

It’s a tenuous link, but here I am, back in the Algarve, looking at the lovely Serra de Sáo Mamede and its towns and villages, from a Distance.  Easter and Holy Week are very special and traditional in this part of the world.  I can’t conceive of it this year, but I hope that one day, in the future, I might cross that distance again.  Meantime, many thanks to Tina and the lovely Lens-Artists ladies for keeping us strong.

walking logo

Still sharing!  It’s what we do best here in blogland.  Stay safe out there!

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As heart warming a walk as I’ve ever taken.  Thank you so much, Drake!

Walks have to be started

It’s therapeutic getting out there in nature, as Alice will tell you :

The Blue Heron Nature Trail

And Eunice is still determined to enjoy beach and countryside :

Lytham/ St. Annes -a walk in two parts

Margaret sums it all up succinctly :

The Last Walk Before Lock Down

And Rupali smiles at us, from a distance :

Weekend 88 : Distance

I think we’re all agreed that Becky is a ‘Top Notch’ blogger.  It’s 1st April soon (no fooling!) :

Streets of Spitalfields

Happy to share a poetic stroll beneath the birch trees, with Jude :

The Birks of Aberfeldy

And I found a fascinating walking tour of Porto, for the future :

‘Other cities in the city’: a social history walking tour of Porto

While Cathy shares a good slice of the exotic :

Morocco: Aroumd to Imlil to Essaouira

Saving this treat for last.  Don’t miss Pauline’s lovely photography and wonderful artwork!

Day 2 of the birthday get away

It’s an amazing world out there, isn’t it?  I’m so glad we can share it together.

149 comments

  1. What a treat. You always bring your destinations to life, and with so much love. As I’ve said before, the Portuguese Tourist Board should take you on … though not this summer…

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    1. Are you hopeful for summer, Margaret? Easyjet have laid their staff off for 2 months so they’ll be able to claim 80% of wages. That takes us to June. I’m waiting to see what Ryanair will offer our son at the end of May. Probably a refund and start again. I may book them August flights but that’s a lifetime away. I was doing well with positivity but it’s raining… ‘Nuff said! But thanks for the kind words 🙂 🙂

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      1. I’m not planning on anything this year. Malcolm’s 80th birthday trip – gone. Any chance of seeing Emily any time soon – gone. I can’t even see the UK children and grandchildren! Funnily enough, as we’re all in the same boat, I’m coping well. Tough times.

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      2. I think it must be the rain… And I just read an update predicting State of Emergency in place till June and getting stricter. 🙄 I might have to start doing something useful with myself 💕

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  2. Seems that you enjoyed this quiet walk in the sunshine. Lots of sunshine here, and I try to get out early so I just pass a few folks. Staying close to home. Beaches are closed and for the most part folks are following the orders

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  3. thank you so much for another lovely getaway, Jo. this place is simply magical; charming and beautiful! love every photo! thank you and stay safe dear friend. 🙂

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    2. I’m back to the situation of not being able to comment, Pit. I noticed it with my last visit. Very annoying! I simply wanted to say we have a small restaurant or 2 we try to support as well, and I enjoyed the conversations in your comments. 🙂 🙂 Stay safe, hon!

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  6. The treasures that can be found if only we are willing to look! What a marvelous walk this week Jo. Not a walk really, more a meander :-). Those doors are enough to draw me in, and I loved your story about the church with the woman singing and another bringing flowers. Perfect! You definitely brought the town to life for all of us. thank you for the lovely start to my day. Stay safe out there and please help to keep us all sane as we virtually visit the world’s beauty.

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    1. Thanks for welcoming me to the fold so warmly, Tina. 🙂 🙂 There’s no shortage of beauty out there but sometimes it’s hard to keep the smile in place. Doing my best, and sending hugs!

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  7. Another beautiful Portuguese gem, Jo. I love the sculpture of the mother and child, and the crumbling walls and decrepit doors and windows, especially that photo of the door with the yellow flowers sparkling on the white walls. Thanks for taking us on this virtual (for us) walk. 🙂

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    1. Hi Cathy! 🙂 🙂 It’s bouncing with rain right now so I’m just virtual traveling too. The rain is a good incentive to self isolate and great for the reservoirs.

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      1. The rain is good for us, but it seems rather gloomy in this situation we’re in. Virtual travel is always a good indoor activity. We have sunshine today, so I’m going to get out for a walk so I can breathe some fresh air. 🙂

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    1. It’s a bit of a stretch from the one I live in too, Colline, but mine has many similarities, and certainly a few ‘tumbledown’ houses. it’s a very Portuguese look 🙂 🙂

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  9. The old doors are incredible, Jo. There’s something about a door, isn’t there? Thank you for taking us on this gorgeous and educational walk, it’s a great way to start a new week. Stay well! ❤

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  10. Such a lovely walk, Jo! One of the best ways to appreciate Portugal, or any other place for that matter, is definitely on foot! One of the places we fell in love with while exploring Portugal was the cliff tops and secret beaches of Alentejo coastline. Would love to return one day to see more of it. Thanks for sharing and taking me along. Stay safe 😊 Aiva xxx

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  11. A lovely walk through some charming old streets, the church interior is beautiful and I love the tile picture of the child and lamb 🙂 Thanks for linking to my previous walk, I haven’t written today’s yet, haven’t been in the mood but it’s only a local one which I’ve done many times so that probably explains my current apathy. Hope you’re doing okay over there, take care xx

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    1. I find being told to stay in hard too, Elaine. We are allowed out for exercise but I’m never sure what the boundaries are. I need some shopping today and that’s a chore at the best of times. Keep smiling 🤣🤣🤣

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  13. What a wonderful walk Jo, filled with charming streets, history and lovely hill top views. I should have linked my virtual walk this week but never mind. Stay strong and safe my friend. Hugs. xx

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  16. I just love going with you on your virtual walks Jo. The descriptions and the beautiful photos take me there. What an amazing place this is. I especially love those old doors. Would make a great subject for sketching. Thank you for the link. No more walks for a while, may have to check back into the archives. Stay safe, positive and keep busy and blogging as I know you will. 🤗

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  19. Oh wow Jo, how fabulous. What a find, I’ll be back there with you after this is all over ☺️

    And thank you so very much for the lovely link. I’m blushing here, and that’s not an April Fool either! Take care, and hugs from me 🤗

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      2. We had a lovely weekend, but the clouds are lurking this morning. Rain in the forecast. Let’s get those reservoirs filled before the tourists get here 🙂 🙂

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