Saturday, February 28, 2009

Friday, February 27, 2009

Casa Seixas

Formerly a private residence, this early 20th century building standing at the Cascais bay belongs now to the portuguese navy.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Parque Eduardo VII


This park was named after King Edward VII (UK) who visited Lisbon in 1902. The Tagus river estuary and its left bank can be seen in the background.
The man on the pedestal facing downtown is the Marquis of Pombal (King José I PM). He rebuilt the city after the big earthquake in 1755.

The earthquake (8,5/9 on the Richter scale) was followed by a tsunami whose waves invaded Lisbon 65 minutes later reaching places 250m far from the river. Then there was a big fire to complete the destruction. 12 to 15 thousand people have died; 55 palaces, more than 50 churches and convents and the Royal Library were among the 10.000 buildings that have just vanished.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Monday, February 23, 2009

Weird

I really don't know what happened here... According to the cross and the window frame on this old building at Oeiras downtown, it had to be a chapel, an altar, or something of the kind, but now it's just a small shop with no interest displaying Carnival costumes for children.
Carnival celebrations have started last saturday and will end tomorrow.

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Just a brief note to congratulate Vikas Swarup on his 'Q&A', a really cool novel, in which 'Slumdog millionaire' was inspired (the movie won 8 Oscars yesterday).

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Lisbon Central Mosque

Seen from the terrace of the building next to it.

The Mosque, designed by portuguese architects, opened doors in 1985, thanks to donations from several muslim countries: Saudi Arabia (1 million USD), Kwait, Lybia, U.A.E. and Oman.

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Friday, February 20, 2009

Antiques meet Design

Window shop, Lisbon downtown. (Click to enlarge the photo)

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Yesterday I was honored with this award. Thank you so much Lisa Wilson, Telluride Daily Photo!
Today is my 200th post. I've met very nice people and fantastic blogs since I started mine and I just can't name only a few to pass this award. So it will be for all of you bloggers out there who allways make my day. Thank you! :-)

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Old tiles

These are some of the 19th century tiles you can find on the building walls at the main street crossing Oeiras downtown.

The portuguese word for tile is azulejo after the arabic al zulej, meaning polished stone. Arabs invaded the Iberian Peninsula in the 8th century and many words have been adapted.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Lisbon City Hall Square

The East side (Click to enlarge the photo)
City Hall main building
São Julião Church

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

18th century vs. 21st

1- Oeiras Mother Church
2- São Julião da Barra Parish Church (Oeiras)

Monday, February 16, 2009

Shall we? Or maybe not...

The wild sea at Carcavelos beach made these kids think twice.

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Winter nudity

Oeiras Palace.

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Friday, February 13, 2009

Monte Estoril

The locality of Monte Estoril had its origin in beginnings of the 20th century, developed by the construction of the railway that links Lisbon to Cascais. Next to the last, with a superb location and idyllic landscapes, it became a place of election of the aristocracy and wealthy families.
There was an amazing amount of beautiful big houses in the area but, as money has changed hands lately, many families simply can not afford to keep them anymore. Some have been torn down, others have been kept but enlarged, becoming condominiums and a few are just abandoned. Gladly we still can find many in excellent condition, very difficult to photograph as streets are narrow and trees very high. These are just two examples.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Old man reading

A very old house at Oeiras downtown (I couldn't believe this green...).

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

The sun is back!

'Parque das Nações', northern Lisbon modern area.
It's a beautiful day at last! 16ºC (60ºF) at the moment, the sun is shinning, not a single cloud in the sky.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Dead agave

Although agaves are known for their longevity, they bloom once in a lifetime and then die. To see the whole living plant click on this summer post and tell me how can I enjoy winter!? :-) This is not a b&w photo... (click for a better view)

Monday, February 9, 2009

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Cascais marina

The old Citadel in the background (click here for information and photos)
Santa Marta lighthouse (information and photos on this post)

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Knock knock

The improvised door knocker really caught my eye! :-)

Friday, February 6, 2009

Oeiras Mother Church (II)

Some information and interior details on this post.

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Heavy, dark sky (II)

This is what the beach looked like yesterday afternoon, it's not a b&w photo. Awful weather!

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Mother and child

Sculpture at the gardens of the Municipal Museum of Cascais (check this post).

Monday, February 2, 2009

Ribeira da Laje (II)

Ribeira da Lage is the small river running through Oeiras downtown. Hopefully we will not see any buildings in this area as the terrains belong to the National Institute of Agrarian Research. The aqueduct in the background was built in the 18th century to supply water to the Palace complex.

Sunday, February 1, 2009

February Theme Day: 'Paths and Passages'

Environmental Interpretation Center at Ponta do Sal, São Pedro do Estoril, on a beautiful winter day (not today! There was a big storm last night causing chaos in many places...).

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants