Paula’s (Lost in Translation) challenge this week is Tall.
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 🙂
Beautiful blues
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.
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.
I like the unusual shape of this pretty lighthouse. It’s in a gorgeous position too.
It is a very photogenic lighthouse and an easy one to reach, for a change 🙂
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
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 🙂
No, Portugal is one place I have never been. Maybe one day…
Take Julie there for her 60th – she’ll love it.
A blue stripy lighthouse! How beautiful, I now prefer that to red.
Yes so do I. Much calmer and tones well with the blue sky 🙂
A really unusual design for a lighthouse, Jude. Love the red, white and blue. 🙂
A lovely place Sylvia. We stayed in a very nice B&B within walking distance of the town and had a great time there.
Gorgeous! A blue and white lighthouse is quite rare – and so beautiful in every respect.:-)
It is beautiful as is Cascais. Well worth a visit.
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.
I wish I had taken more photos of the angles, it is a very interesting place. Look at these images.
Thanks for the link Jude it is a very photogenic place.
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 🙂
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)
Ahh the one in Tavira looked stunning, expensive though. There are photos my blog.
Time to spend the kids’ inheritance I think 😉
Lighthouses always present great photographic images because you either focus on a smaller detail, lie on the ground…or stand way back. I love the square lines in this one, I’ve only see round ones.
I wrote a post about Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, here in Florida and I especially enjoyed the Lens Building. Here is the link if you care to look. https://mpozzanghera.wordpress.com/2014/09/28/back-yard-field-trips-ponce-inlet-lighthouse/
Lie on the ground? Why didn’t I think of that. Oh, I know why, because I’d never get back up again!
😀