Thursday’s Special

Paula’s (Lost in Translation) challenge this week is Tall.

Cascais

Following her idea of a lighthouse I have opted to show this  beautiful blue and white striped pepper-pot structure, which is topped by a small glass beacon.

During the 1750s, on a rocky shoulder overhanging the sea, a small fort was erected that was part of the maritime defence of Cascais until the 19th century. In 1762 it was modernized, and began its function as a lighthouse in 1868 after losing its military value.

In the lighthouse museum are gathered representative pieces that illustrate its activity whilst it was a lighthouse, featuring a series of optical devices from the 19th and 20th centuries as well as an audiovisual centre where a multilingual documentary about the lighthouses of Portugal is exhibited.

You really need to wear good sunglasses when visiting this site – the white glossy tiles of the exhibition centre and auditorium throw off a blinding light in the sunlight which quite hurts the eyes! The tiles are laid slightly unevenly so the apparently plain surfaces catch the light and have a subtle iridescent quality.

I have been promising to show this to my blogging friend Jo for a very long time! I hope she enjoys it 🙂

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Heyjude

I have lived in the UK for most of my life, but when young I definitely had wanderlust and even ended up living in South Africa for several years which was a wonderful experience. I now look forward to a long and leisurely retirement doing what I like most - gardening, photography, walking and travelling.

55 thoughts on “Thursday’s Special”

  2. It’s a beautiful structure! … but then I am rather partial to lighthouses 🙂 I had wondered about that brilliant white in the sunshine. Interesting how it was built to be even shinier in the light than it already was!

    What is the red structure in the courtyard? It appears to be a small bell tower.

    1. I have no idea Joanne, and can’t find out either. I did notice that the top of it looks like a miniature replica of the actual beacon on the top of the lighthouse.

  4. The header shot is sublime. I thought it was a painting at first. Outstanding!
    This makes me want to go to Portugal now, and not just for the Port.
    Regards as always, Pete. x

    1. Have you been to Lisbon Pete? it is a lovely place for a long weekend and Cascais is on the trainline. Actually I’d stay in Cascais and travel in to Lisbon. A good place for a special birthday 🙂

    1. A lovely place Sylvia. We stayed in a very nice B&B within walking distance of the town and had a great time there.

  8. Interesting angles Jude and you have caught the glow. What I like about challenges is searching through long forgotten photos to use. Pleased you found this one to show us.

  9. How lovely, I really like the use of tiles instead of just paint and the design is unusual as well. Yes please post some more about Lisbon and Cascais when you have time, I knew nothing about Portugal until Jo arrived in my world 🙂

    1. I have only been to Portugal twice and loved both visits. Something about the country which I find very attractive. I quite fancy a fly/drive holiday where you can stay in the Pousadas (historic castles I think)

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