PT RR - Surprise Group * January '24

 Cards from different countries but all written in Portuguese.

 

Photo:@thisantors

The Archaeological Site of São Miguel Arcanjo is a complex of ruins from the ancient Mission of São Miguel Arcanjo, part of the so-called Seven Peoples of the Missions, and one of the main remains of the period of the Jesuit Missions of the Guarani. These ruins are located in the northwest of Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. 

The site, commonly called the ruins of São Miguel das Missões, has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, along with the 4 ruins on the Argentine side since 1983.
Construction was built in the 18th century, between 1735 and 1745. The Church was designed by the Italian priest João Batista Primolli and built entirely in sandstone. It was not finished, as the second tower, which would be the astronomical observatory, had yet to be built. 

The card was sent by Maria Eliza.

 Situated in the very heart of Montmartre, Place du Tertre, is one of the most famous squares of all of Paris. It is famous for its painters, cafés, and ambiance.

The hilltop village of Montmartre has an exciting past. Before it became a part of Paris, it was a quaint village covered in little farms, vineyards and windmills. During the Belle Époque, it became a haven for artists such as Toulouse-Lautrec, Maurice Utrillo, Van Gogh and Picasso thanks to its more affordable cost of living and cheap wine (it was exempt from Paris’s wine tax)! Here, an artistic community was formed, and a lively cabaret culture flourished, many of which you can still see standing today.
Fast-forward to the 21st century: its artistic heritage has lived on, along with the charming village-like feel. You’ll find artists covering every square inch of the Place du Tertre in the center of the neighborhood, selling their canvases and offering portrait sessions. - in: https://www.parisperfect.com

Card sent by Pedro.

 

Photo: Gustav A, Wittich

I really love Porto and I especially like to cross the bridge to Gaia to enjoy the beautiful views of the historic center of Porto. This card was sent by Rui.

Cais de Gaia played a very important part in Porto's history due to Port Wine, as this was the place where the rabelo boats would dock and the barrels of wine were offloaded and taken to the cellars, but also because it was from here that Port Wine started to be exported and where the import trade of various other goods took place. 

Nowadays it is a tourist attraction with many restaurants, bars and cafés and the place where many  Douro River cruises depart from to admire the unique landscape of the Douro Valley, where Port Wine is produced.