Portugal: Trip to Évora
Hello all,
I know it has been quite some time since I have posted anything here. I have decided to clear out the cobwebs and update this beast. I have quite a backlog of pictures to share so this will take some time.
Let me start with some photos of Évora, Portugal. I was lucky enough to visit Évora back in January 2009. The city has a history dating back more than two millennia and was conquered by the Romans back in 57 BC. After some time it was conquered by the Visigoths during the barbarian invasions.. and then the Moors came and had their turn in 715 and transformed the city into a flourishing agricultural centre.. but then lost it in 1165 following a surprise attack from Gerald the Fearless. From that point on it was pretty much in control of the Portuguese and became one of the most dynamic cities in the Portuguese Kingdom, only to decline in 1759 when the famous Marquis de Pombal closed the University and expelled the Jesuits who had founded the school.. It is now considered a city rich in heritage, culture and art. Ok, enough of my blabberings.. here are some pics.
And now in colour!
naaatas
Just to prove Portuguese people are short
Ok.. maybe its not the same door, but u get the idea..
This is an old Roman Temple.. sometimes referred to as the Diana Temple and is considered one of a kind in Portugal. It managed to survive destruction because it was incorporated into a medieval building.
This is the entrance to the Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones) It was built in the 16th century by a Franciscan monk. He built it during the counter-reformation and wanted his fellow brothers to contemplate the idea that life is transitory so he built the chapel out of skeletons. Pretty interesting idea if you ask me. The saying at the entrance translates to “We bones here, for yours await” or something like that.
About 5000 skeletons were used to build this chapel, most coming from the surrounding church cemeteries. It also includes two desicated skeletons hanging on chains.
A bit spooky innit?
Stay tuned for more pictures..
I know it has been quite some time since I have posted anything here. I have decided to clear out the cobwebs and update this beast. I have quite a backlog of pictures to share so this will take some time.
Let me start with some photos of Évora, Portugal. I was lucky enough to visit Évora back in January 2009. The city has a history dating back more than two millennia and was conquered by the Romans back in 57 BC. After some time it was conquered by the Visigoths during the barbarian invasions.. and then the Moors came and had their turn in 715 and transformed the city into a flourishing agricultural centre.. but then lost it in 1165 following a surprise attack from Gerald the Fearless. From that point on it was pretty much in control of the Portuguese and became one of the most dynamic cities in the Portuguese Kingdom, only to decline in 1759 when the famous Marquis de Pombal closed the University and expelled the Jesuits who had founded the school.. It is now considered a city rich in heritage, culture and art. Ok, enough of my blabberings.. here are some pics.
And now in colour!
naaatas
Just to prove Portuguese people are short
Ok.. maybe its not the same door, but u get the idea..
This is an old Roman Temple.. sometimes referred to as the Diana Temple and is considered one of a kind in Portugal. It managed to survive destruction because it was incorporated into a medieval building.
This is the entrance to the Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones) It was built in the 16th century by a Franciscan monk. He built it during the counter-reformation and wanted his fellow brothers to contemplate the idea that life is transitory so he built the chapel out of skeletons. Pretty interesting idea if you ask me. The saying at the entrance translates to “We bones here, for yours await” or something like that.
About 5000 skeletons were used to build this chapel, most coming from the surrounding church cemeteries. It also includes two desicated skeletons hanging on chains.
A bit spooky innit?
Stay tuned for more pictures..
Posted by Sylo at 4:29 PM::
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