All Along the Watchtower
Castle of Monsaraz
March 8th, 2021
Yesterday we arrived in Monsaraz to the charming front view of a little house in the village. Today’s view is also of Monsaraz but with many more years of age. The watchtower of the town’s castle dates back to the 1600s.
The name Monsaraz comes from Monte (mount or hill) and Xarez (an Iberian word for Gum Rockrose, a flowering plant of the area). This is a village of visual contrasts — old and new, stone and stucco, high on a hill with a view of the Alqueva reservoir below, which flows to the Guadiana River and on to Tavira.
Clay deposits in the area have supported the region’s pottery for centuries, making it the largest potter center in Portugal. Reguengos blankets also are a heritage product made locally by hand.
Tomorrow we’ll take a walk around.
See you then,
Kelly
Post of the Day: Adding a bit of light to the darkness as we get through the pandemic together. This series features travel photos from my archives, shared with you while staying close to home.
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its amazinging
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It is! Thanks! 🙂
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Kelly,
Your Portugal posts make me want to hurry back to that country that intrigued us so much on our first trip – thank you!
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You’re welcome, Annie! I completely agree! In doing some research for these posts I keep discovering more reasons to go back. Already can’t wait!
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That’s a very imposing looking watchtower!
And tomorrow from the sardine shops to pottery shops 🙂⚱️🏺
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Yes, the watchtower is rather large! Wish I had gotten more photos of the Monsaraz pottery shops. I’m looking back to see if I have any from my phone. Next post coming soon! 🙂
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The lines of this fortification form a beautiful geometry, with in addition this lovely blue sky. Waiting for the tour to start!
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Ha! Tour is in the works right now. Up in a couple hours. Agreed that the lines of this watchtower are quite elegant and sharp against the sky. I may have posted my best photo too soon?
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Not sure why, Kelly, but I envisioned running up those stairs with bow in hand to repel and invader. 🙂 –Curt
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So interesting, Curt. Maybe a previous life memory unexpectedly came to mind? No idea if you believe in those types of things but I had an experience a couple years ago that made me a believer.
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All spectacular — from the construction, the aging of the ruins, and the vista beyond.
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It was a stately work of architecture for sure! Someone did a very nice job of planning and building.
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