Castelo de Vide, April 3, 2021

 


It was such an amazingly windy day that we abandoned the idea of riding 20 km each way to explore the medieval town of Castelo de Vide. Instead we made sandwiches, washed the thick yellow layer of pollen off of SAM's windows and headed off for a 10 km circular walking route around this ancient town.

We were quickly able to shed layers as the sun was quite hot and there was much less wind in the valley near to Castelo de Vide. This town and it's surroundings are stunning, even on a hazy spring day. The oldest part of town is charming, nestled within the 2 km ancient walls around the historic castle. Below the castle are a series of green spaces, beautifully restored buildings and several fancy hotels. A meandering walking route can take you to all of the 14 water fountains believed to possess healing properties. An interesting superstition about the fountain below; whoever drinks the water from the Fonte da Mealhada will someday return to Castelo de Vide to get married!

https://mtfoliveira.blogspot.com/2018/05/fonte-da-mealhada.html










I finally looked up the story behind the water bottles 
we have been seeing in many Spanish and Portuguese villages. We were guessing it has to do with flies, but it turns out it is supposed to deter cats and dogs from peeing on the door jambs!


A cool garden within the castle walls











Comments

  1. JazzyApril 2, 2021 at 8:02 AM

    Thanks for the update!! What an adventure you are having!!

    ReplyDelete

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