Today I'm going to share with you a walk that I took, many years ago, through the village of Belmonte. And what is so special about this village, you ask?
Well, in addition to being very close to the parishes where most parents were born, and very close to the Hospital where I was also born; Belmonte has a very important underlying history. Located in the Beirã region, close to Serra da Estrela, today the village is practically inhabited mainly by elders, or by their younger descendants (but always in smaller numbers), in the 15th century saw the birth of the Discoverer who had in his name the great feat of discovering the sea route to Brazil. The statue of Pedro Álvares Cabral is an obligatory point of passage, and as it couldn't be otherwise, I had to photograph it.
Despite having visited Belmonte many times, during my long stays during the summer holidays at my grandmother's house.
The gardens today, despite being kept very simple, saw for many years, and every first Saturday of each month, the presence of one of the most important open-air markets cohabiting with the beautiful plants and fountains.
It was a summer day, and once again the fire had burned in nearby land, making the will of those who live in these lands disappear in exchange for a postprandial siesta that greatly improves anyone's life, don't you think?
I took advantage of it, and since one of the advantages of small towns is proximity, I climbed the small hill to the Castle, where, proudly topping it, and displaying two flags from two countries today united by the Language, the castle with Manueline granite windows built, invites those who pass by to come closer to see its natural beauty more closely.
How is it possible that ancient peoples erected so many buildings and constructions in so few years? It really makes you think. Other stories about the participation of people from Hispanic lands, who in search of better winds, moved to Portugal, to be able to participate in the construction of walls and fortresses in exchange for a slightly more comforting salary compared to what they earned in their lands, in exchange of alms requests.
I hope you liked my publication about a "old" village from my beautiful country!
"He who laughs last is slow-witted" 😅😅😅
