Showing posts with label HISTORIC VILLAGES. Show all posts
Showing posts with label HISTORIC VILLAGES. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Lost Paradise















The valley of Almofala, Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo.
This is only half Old Portuguese Stuff, as the right bank of the river (as seen in the photos) is already Spanish territory. But Man-made divisions aside, stark Nature here rules absolute, with the river flowing gently by and vultures crossing above to nest. A small chapel and a columbarium rest above the remains of a castrum, a native settlement before and during Roman occupation perched atop the hill.

Friday, August 31, 2012

THE CEMETERY GATES

 Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo. The inscription reads something like:

"May you carefully consider this place of terror
Where vanities of this deceiving world are ended"
1864

Happy weekend!

Monday, January 30, 2012

LINHARES DA BEIRA




















Linhares da Beira, Guarda

The old Castle is a minimalist composition of walls and turrets, laid on top of a raw stone mass that overlooks Spain and protects the charming village around. Recent "improvements" have scarred its entry and passages, but from afar the granitic mass is still imposing in its exactitude. The hills around are used as a major paragliding spot.