Have T@b will travel: Stepping back in time

Saturday we went to explore the medieval village of Castelo de Vide where time stands still! It is another remarkable town filled with squares, parks, churches, fountains, and of course, white washed homes colourfully decorated with flower filled pots and baskets. Our first stop on our tour of the town was at a hillside cafe to enjoy cafe com leite e pasteis! The view is spectacular and looks out over the Serra de Sao Mamede region.

Next we browsed the stalls of the local market, no food here, but the next best thing! Shoes and handbags! Among many other odds and ends, antiques, kitchen wares and local handicrafts! After getting my shopping fix, or I should say my look but don't purchase fix, we moved along to wander the maze of narrow streets, discovering nooks and crannies, secret gardens, and friendly dogs and cats! We even came across the sweetest tiny lady selling lavender sachets at her front door, my purchase of the day! I think this will be a welcome addition to the T@b when we get back to Canada!

Pop up shop for sachets!

On the top of the hill overlooking the town is what remains of a walled 13th century Moorish castle. Here you can find people living out their daily lives, women hanging clothes on lines strategically tied to an old castle artillery station, or planting seeds in a garden nestled between an old convent and a crumbling castle wall. Another area of the town brimming with history is the old Jewish Quarter, the Judiaria. Here we toured the old synagogue which was built in the 14th century. Inside were 2 large holes covered by Plexiglas. These were dug by archaeologists in the 1980's and is where many of the artifacts were found. They are displayed in the museum along with a detailed history of the Judiaria. After leaving the museum we came upon an artisan shop. Filled with beautiful textiles, and cork products. In the back of the shop was a wood carver. When we asked if there were more items up stairs he said no, but insisted that we follow him. Upstairs was a seamstress busily sewing. The wood carver told us she was making all of the costumes for the yearly medieval festival that happens in September! There were racks upon racks full of beautiful costumes! He then motioned us to follow him into the back. Here he showed us an unchanged room which had been for Catholic prayer… or that is what they wanted you to think! Next to this alcove was a once hidden room now brightly lit by the sun's rays shining through a new window which was never there over a 100 years ago! He then opened up an intricately carved wall unit to reveal an ancient Jewish altar. We felt very lucky to have a glimpse inside one of these old homes! Needless to say we had a fantastic day! We came across so many things that made us smile, the flowers, colourful doorways, the old and the new now melded together as if it had always been that way, and let's not forget the hat clad men waiting in the shade, conversing with friends while their wives shopped at the market! Hopefully our photos can let you experience a little bit of Castelo de Vide, until the day you come and visit for yourself!