Schist Villages - Portugal

The 27 villages spread across the Lousã and Açor ranges, and quite close to Serra da Estrela, are called schist villages because this is the stone used in the construction of houses and is abundant in the region. The various shades of this rock, also used for paving the narrow winding streets, mingle seamlessly into the colours of the natural landscape. - in: https://www.visitportugal.com/en/node/73752

I've to confess that I don't know much about these 27 villages and I've only been to one of them. 

Foto: Danilo Pavone

The village of Pena has a clear water stream with the same name which brings it to life. Used for baths and watering, this stream also offers you the pleasure of enjoying waterfalls and lakes, surrounded by green landscape among which you will discover one-hundred-year-old chestnuts which are a part of this place’s natural heritage. Surrounded by the Góis Rocks, this is a privileged place to take the routes that, through more or less winding paths, take you exploring Serra da Lousã. - in: http://www.centerofportugal.com/pena/

Foto: Rui Martins

 Água Formosa (Fair Water) received its name because of the pure liquid which streams out of its fountain and is as relaxing as the fade sound of the water flow. That is why it has been attracting so many people who are running away from the stress in the city find their haven here. Thanks to the recovery works in the village, clearly visible on the pedestrian bridge over the Galega Stream, the number of residents has been increasing. Orchards grow and stone houses come to life with everyday life sounds. It is worth your while to take a visit and feel the warmth of the neighbours and a certain feeling of hope in the air in this sunny slope ten kilometres away from the Portuguese Geodesic Centre. - in: http://www.centerofportugal.com/agua-formosa/

Foto: Danilo Pavone

 Aigra Nova is a privileged meeting point for those who wish to know what is best done in recovering memories, traditions and heritage at Serra da Lousã. - in: http://www.centerofportugal.com/aigra-nova/

Foto: Danilo Pavone

Benfita is one of the "white villages" of the Schist Villages Network. This is the only village in the world that exalts peace with a tower, a bell and a clock. The bell tower of this "white village" celebrates the end of World War II with 1620 hits every May 7. 

Foto: Danilo Pavone

 In Gondramaz, schist has its own unique color, as if it wants to highlight the unique personality of its inhabitants. With its remodelled buildings, according to the Schist Villages network plan, Gondramaz is now the home for recognized international plastic artists. 

It is a pleasure to stroll through the streets where everything is made out of schist and the floor you step on is a true work of art. - in: http://www.centerofportugal.com/gondramaz/

Our Lady of Mó Chapel, Arouca - Portugal

As I already said many times before, I like churches, from the big cathedrals to the smaller chapels, of any religion and I liked this super cute and chapel, located 7 kms from Arouca.

Fotografia: Filomeno Silva

The Chapel of Our Lady of the Mó (millstone), of very characteristic contours, is presumed to date back to the 16th century.
Legend has it that the chapel was erected in honor of Our Lady who saved a Christian from the slavery of the Moors. Trapped inside a box, with a millstone on top, he used the knots of the rope to pray, achieving his freedom.

Crato Castle - Portugal

I already been to Crato area but did not know that there was a castle there. In fact, today it resembles more like a fort than a castle. Anyway, this is a new castle in my collection.

This was one of many postcards sent by Paulo.

Fotografia: Raul Ladeira

The castle of Crato dates from the 13th century and is situated at the highest point of the village. It was donated in the thirteenth century to the Order of the Hospital. In 1330, the Town of Crato was head of the Order of Malta, and in century XV the reconstruction of the castle and edification of the urban fence was carried out. In century XVII it underwent a great alteration, when it gained the fort like features and endowed platforms for the installation of artillery. 

Vila Nova de Milfontes - Portugal

The district of Beja will probably one of my next discoveries in Portuguese lands. I think it's the only district I've never been to. 

Vila Nova de Milfontes is located in the district of Beja, on the north bank of the mouth of the river Mira. It is located in the Natural Park of Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina.

This card was sent by my penpal and friend Vera. 

www.edigpostal.com

Vila Nova de Milfontes has been named as the “Alentejo’s Princess”, due to its very own charm and attractiveness. 

This small village is located in the Odemira department, in the Alentejo coastline, and is a fishing village with a strong connection to the ocean, in the estuary of the Mira river, in the heart of the wonderful Sudoeste Alentejano (Alentejo’s Southwest) and Costa Vicentina Natural Park. 

Its wide and beautiful beaches, the crystalline waters and the golden dunes are the region main highlights. 

Contrasting with the beautiful coastline panorama, the inland landscape is markedly known for the typical Alentejo’s plain grounds with cork oak trees, among other species traditional of this region. 

In Vila Nova de Milfontes the discovery of the amazing Mira river estuary is highly recommended, where many centuries ago Celts, Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians and, of course, Romans and Arabs passed through. 

The mild weather, the charming typical architecture, the Alentejo’s famous delicious gastronomy, among other leisure activities that the region offers, are more that enough features that easily justify an amazing visit to this locality. - in: https://www.guiadacidade.pt/en/poi-vila-nova-de-milfontes-14882

Church of St. Mary of the Castle, Tavira - Portugal

As I said before, I went on holidays to Algarve last week. I've been to many places and Tavira was where I started to explore this portuguese region. It was also in Tavira that I had a mini postcrossing meeting. Well, it wasn't exactly mini, we were 5 postcroossers, me, Tiago, Celina, Paulo & Ana, the postcrossing founders, and Celina's friend. It was a meeting and every meeting has cards to sign. I decided to send myself a card with the Church of St. Mary of the castle. It posting it here with a card that Ninocas sent me 2 years ago. 

© Edição Vistal * Foto © Art & Concept: Gustav A. Wittich

Standing alongside the castle, Tavira's parish church incorporates the minaret of the town's Moorish mosque, remodelled to form the clock tower.

© Edição Vistal Foto * © ART & CONCEPT: Gustav A. Wittich

Inside are the fine 13th-century tombs of seven knights of the crusading Order of Saint James, whose ambush and murder prompted the Christian reconquest of the city. In addition to the fine tilework and gilded alter surrounds, the sacristy has a small museum displaying vestments and chalices. - in: http://www.viva-tavira.com/Igrejas/igrejas_files/001staMaria.htm

Monthly Fav. Surprise RR - March'17

After the March RR I still didn't join this RR again. I don't know if I'll join it again any time soon. 

Anyway, in March I got cards from Czech Republic, Germany, Belarus and France. 

Foto: Ivan Rilich

I had a card of Liberec's Town Hall in my favorites. Radana couldn't find the same card but sent me this one that is even prettier than the other. 

Liberec Town Hall is a large building in the town of Liberec, Czech Republic.

Liberec town hall is a Neo-Renaissance building, which was built from 1888 till 1893 by design of the Viennese architect, Franz Neumann, replacing earlier structures dating to 1602.

The building has a richly decorated façade, integrated artwork, and very rare stained glass windows. Above the entrance portal is a sculptural relief by Viennese sculptor Theodor Friedl, showing the establishment of the old and new town hall. At its center is a female figure symbolizing the city; on the left side, figures associated with the original town hall, and figures associated with the emergence of a new town hall on the right, including the architect Neumann.

The front of the building is a bronze monument in the shape of a tank strip, commemorating nine victims of the invasion of the Warsaw Pact armies in August 1968.

The tower is 65 metres tall. Liberec town hall is similar to Vienna town hall. Today Liberec Town Hall is the seat of The Municipal Authority. - in: wikipedia

Foto: Klaus Ender

This cute little wooden chapel is located in Ralswiek, Rügen Island, Germany but it was actually built in Sweden. From there all the pieces were taken to this island and rebuilt there in 1907. 

The card was in my favorites and it was sent by Ina. 

 Photo by Rahmel-Archiv D

I really like when I get cards from places that I've already visited. In this case I've already received this card twice. I got it as an official in 2012 and Stefanie sent me another one.
 I didn't really visited the Stolzenfels Castle but i've seen it in 2011 when I went on a boat trip along the Rhine from Koblenz to Braubach.

Stolzenfels Castle is a castle near Koblenz on the Rhine, Germany.

Finished in 1259, Stolzenfels was used to protect the toll station at the Rhine, where the ships, back then were the main transport for goods, had to stop and pay toll. Over the years it was extended several times, occupied by French and Swedish troops in the Thirty Year’s War and finally, in 1689, destroyed by the French during the Nine Years' War. For 150 years the ruins decayed, until in 1815 they were given as a present to Frederick William IV of Prussia by the city of Koblenz. Following the romantic traditions, the prince started to completely rebuild the castle after 1826 as a summer residence. Supported by famous neoclassic architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel, the castle was completely remodeled in the then fashionable neo-Gothic style, aiming to create a romantic place representing the idea of medieval knighthood - the architects even created a tournament site. - in: wikipedia

Iconic Minsk Victory Square is both a famous tourist attraction in Belarus and a place of pilgrimage for Belarusians remembering those who died in the Great Patriotic War (World War II)

One of the most important places in Belarus, Minsk Victory Square (ploshchad Pobedy) is dominated by the huge 40m obelisk, a memorial to the country’s war dead.  

Previously known as The Circus, Victory Square was renamed and made into a memorial in 1954 when the obelisk was erected. - in: http://www.belarus.by/en/travel/belarus-life/victory-square

Card sent by Nika.

Éditions VALOIRE - ESTEL - BLOIS

Ulla surprised me with a card from a missing UNESCO site, which, obviously made my day!!

The Champagne wine region is a wine region within the historical province of Champagne in the northeast of France. The area is best known for the production of the sparkling white wine that bears the region's name. - in: wikipedia

Champagne Hillsides, Houses and Cellars are on the UNESCO list since 2015.

The property encompasses sites where the method of producing sparkling wines was developed on the principle of secondary fermentation in the bottle since the early 17th century to its early industrialization in the 19th century. - in: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1465

Bijagós Archipelago - Guinea Bissau

I'm back from my holidays and with lots of new cards. Most of them were both in southern Portugal and yesterday I also got a few cards for free in a tourism fair in my city. 

Leninha also went to a tourism fair a few weeks ago, a big one in Lisbon. Next year I want to go there. 

João Vieira and Orango Grande are only 2 of the 88 islands belonging to the Bijagós archipelago in Guinea-Bissau. These islands are part of a protected area, classified by UNESCO in 1996 as a biosphere reserve. This reserve has a diverse fauna that includes, among other species, monkeys, hippos, crocodiles, wading birds, sea turtles and otters.

© Photos: Maurice Ascani

 João Vieira Island together with Poilão Island, form one of the two national parks of this archipelago. These islands are one of the most important breeding sanctuaries of sea turtles.

© Photos: Maurice Ascani

On the island of Orango lies the largest colony of marine hippopotamuses in the world. According to the religious beliefs of the local population, the hippopotamus is a sacred animal, so it can not be killed or injured.