A COUNTRY WITH A BEAUTIFUL HISTORY
Its colours range from ocean blue to earthy brown and transport us to its roots: the sea and the land. Its essence is made of light because its people are Lusitanos.
Portugal transmits a certain peace and generosity in the form of love and welcomes you with an open heart. Portugal is special in the eyes of the beholder.
Today I tell you the unique story of the (many) inspirations that highlight the main regions of the country: the North, Aveiro area, Alentejo and Algarve.
Thus laying the foundations of the inspirations of our latest collection of tea towels made in collaboration with Henriette Arcelin.
THE NORTH IS NOT LOST!
Northern Portugal is vast and mountainous. "Its peaks, known as mountain ranges, include Serra do Gerês, Peneda, Marão, Amarela and Soajo. Some of which form natural parks". Not forgetting the Douro river valleys, with a World Heritage landscape "where the vines are cultivated to make the famous Porto and Douro wines, which are then taken to the cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia".
DOURO RIVER, ©PAULO PEREIRA
Unique in the eyes of many, this region has many monuments that defy the logic of architecture; an immensity of monuments and constructions that attest to its historical importance and the people who passed through here.
We must of course mention Guimarães “The cradle of Portugal”. Its historic center marks a crucial stage in the founding of the country, it is here that the reign of the first Portuguese king begins: with the Infant D. Afonso Henriques.
MONUMENTO PAÇO DOS DUQUES DE BRAGANÇA, GUIMARÃES
In terms of architecture, the houses in the North are typically inspired by the country's ancient traditions: houses built stone by stone, reminding us of how beautiful and inspiring Portuguese simplicity is in the midst of the mountains. The most typical stone in the region is granite. This type of rock is present in greater quantity in the region and used in the manufacture of decorative objects or exterior facades of houses. A characteristic that is typical of northern dwellings, a material that evokes an ancient rural simplicity.
TYPICAL NORTHERN HOUSES
The North of Portugal immerses us in the beauty of the rudimentary.
AVEIRO, THE PORTUGUESE VENICE
Known as the Portuguese Venice, Aveiro brims with picturesque traditions. Many foreigners surrender to the charm of its famous estuary that crosses the city; with typical bridges and beautiful boats, the surroundings of the city are enchanting.
BEAUTIFUL BOATS WITH COLORFUL PAINTINGS CROSSING THE CITY ALONG RIA DE AVEIRO
Another key element when talking about Aveiro are its distinct "striped houses" (with stripes) with colorful facades, leaving all passers-by with their eyes in awe, making it almost instinctive to take pictures next to this mix of colors and shapes that embellish the view of Aveiro.
"Here, located between the estuary and the sea, we find the typical houses with red, blue and green stripes. Family vacation homes during the bathing season, this place has become over time one of the most sought-after places for a walk by the sea.
Due to the seaside, Aveiro's gastronomy is based more on fish and shellfish than on traditional meals. Between eels, mussels, oysters, seaweed and traditional Portuguese cod, the menu is extensive and not lacking in flavour. And since we are talking about flavour... how not to mention the salt of Aveiro!
MARINHAS DE SAL, RIA DE AVEIRO
Aveiro is known and recognized precisely for its salt pans, currently one of the largest productions of salt in Portugal — salt that is locally cherished as “white gold”.
If you are visiting Aveiro, don't miss the guided tour of the salt flats, as "you will be able to learn about the history of Sal de Aveiro, the artisanal production stages and even, in the summer, watch the salt harvest, seeing the hard work of marnots".
AVEIRO
Aveiro is simply fascinating, full of history reflected in its customs and traditions that does not leave anyone indifferent.
BEYOND THE TEJO THERE IS ALENTEJO
Ah... Alentejo dear, a refuge treat... bathed in nature, open skies and good people!
Hot and dry land, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, the Alentejo is a welcoming region full of color (yes, Portugal is full of it). With cool water beaches to cool off and intrinsically simple and beautiful holiday homes, this is a destination that is sure to appeal to many.
The region is well known for its extensive vineyards; if you're a fan of bottled grapes, it's almost unforgivable to pass through the Alentejo without raising your wine glass to feel (and taste) the aroma of the local vineyards.
Full of culture and customs, places like Borba, Estremoz, Vila Viçosa, Redondo or Alandroal, or cork factories or ceramics shops in São Pedro do Corval, these are just a small part of this huge and vibrant region that is the Alentejo.
ADEGA MONTE BRANCO, TUNEL DAS BARRICAS
Among all these treasures, one cannot forget the typical houses of this area, which have rightly been maintained over time and which shape the landscape. Its architecture is known for the typical strip of intense blue that accompanies the remaining white facades, an aesthetic that inspires millions on social networks and rural tourism houses.
The simplicity of this infinitely beautiful duo of tones brings its personal stamp to the region, such a rich and simple combination all at once!
TYPICAL ALENTEJO HOUSES, HERDADE DO TOURIL
"The choice of bright colors is no accident: it prevented insects and evil spirits from invading the house".
"The walls are also made of lime, a very important material in the Alentejo tradition that gives a shine and a particular texture to the facades, even inside the house!"
@casa_avo, ALENTEJO
From the olive tree to the vine, Alentejo is like a rural retreat made into a city.
ALGARVE IS NOT JUST BEACHES AND ORANGES
In addition to the good climate, the beautiful beaches and the delicious oranges that the Algarve offers, we can also admire the beauty of the great Algarve houses that enhance the region.
"The most striking symbol of traditional Algarve architecture is undoubtedly the chimney, which reflected the individuality of the owner of the house and showed his possessions. No two chimneys were alike and the more intricate the design, the more expensive the work. In the more affluent rural dwellings, fine examples of these symbols of popular art and technical expertise can be contemplated".
ALGARVE'S CHIMNEY
"The parapet is another characteristic feature of the architectural heritage of the Algarve. An elegant decorative strip that finishes the facades and hides the roof. Ornamented with geometric shapes and colors, it contrasts with the white of the whitewash, annually applied for alignment and vanity, and matches the colored bars that frame doors and windows".
You have certainly heard of Olhão, the city that is being talked about a lot right now in the Algarve. This city amazes visitors with its colors, shapes and textures. In its coastal area, it was common to build roof terraces, Arab-inspired terraces that served to watch the sea, to be on the lookout for boats returning from work. Nowadays, it is in these private spaces that fruits and fish are dried and that we rest on hot summer nights. Olhão is the ex-libris of this architecture with pure and refined lines, deserving the nickname of cubist city, with its buildings grouped in cubes in a sinuous plan, a direct influence from Morocco".
TYPICAL ALGARVE HOUSES
CASA HENRIETTE, OLHÃO
Algarve brings together beauty and complexity at once.
PRIMAVERA SOBRE TECIDO
It is for all this Portuguese beauty and even more that Luz Editions celebrates today three of these beautiful regions that inspire us in the form of spring botanical tea towels, co-created with the ceramic artist Henriette Arcelin. You can buy this exclusives pieces of linen here.
AMENDOEIRA (ALENTEJO), LARANJEIRA (ALGARVE), PEREIRA (OESTE), BY ©STÉPHANE GAILLARD
Together, we feed the Portuguese soul.
Ref: Turismo Aveiro, Gold Energy Blog, Trivago Magazine, N Cultura, Visit Algarve Portugal
All the photographs were taken from @Google.