Friday, January 17, 2020

PT RR - Group 143 * Surprise January '20

The surprise cards of this month from the portuguese RR are already here. This was super fast but never a surprise group was so small, only 4 this month, so I only sent and received three cards. These are the cards sent by Rui, Tiago and Óscar. 

Postais de Setúbal
The Forte de Sao Filipe stands high above Setúbal and is one of the most notable landmarks of the region. 
The fort was built on the orders of Philip II of Spain (Philip I of Portugal), in the  14th century, and was constructed to provide protection to the fishing port from raiding pirates from North Africa. 
 It was classified as a National Monument in 1933. Conservation work was undertaken in the 1940s and in 1962 parts were converted to a hotel, which opened in 1965. 

© GRAFIPOST - Editores e Artes Gráficas, Lda
Although Roman and Moorish fortifications are admitted to the site, it is most likely that Soure Castle was built in the 11th century. It belonged to the orders of the Templars (who had their headquarters here) and of Christ.
The architecture is medieval, Romanesque, with Gothic and Manueline influences. It is a simple and small castle, where the remains of the alcove remain, defined by four towers at the angles, a Suevo-Visigothic door and a Mozarabic window.

© GRAFIPOST - Editores e Artes Gráficas, Lda
Óscar says that the old Main Church of Vila Nova de Famalicão is not that special, but prettier than the new church. I don't know how the new church looks like but for me new churches, most of times, are not interresting, so, I trully believe that Óscar is right and this church from the 17th / 18th century, is prettier than the new one. 

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