Archive for November, 2012

The Chapter Window at the Convent of Christ

Posted under Windows and Doors by Fernando Fidalgo on November 1st, 2012. 1 Comment »

In this category, I have shown a collection of interesting photos of windows in Tomar but this time I decided to display, possibly the most complex and exuberant window in the world. I am referring to the richly sculpted Window of the Chapter House at the Convent of Christ, which in Portuguese is mostly known as Janela do Capítulo (Chapter Window). This window is marked by a masterful complex ornamentation, designed by the Portuguese architect Diogo de Arruda, who lived in the 16th Century. The Chapter window may represent the pinnacle of the Manueline architecture style and illustrates the Portuguese dominance of the seas in the 15th and 16th centuries.

Chapter Window, Christ Convent in the City of Tomar

Partially view of the Chapter House at the Convent of Christ in Tomar. Several elements related to the seas and the Portuguese discoveries, like ropes, knots, corals, leaves, seaweeds, etc, appear regularly

 

Window of the Chapter House, Convent of Christ, City of Tomar

Another partial view of the Chapter Windown at the Christ Convent in Tomar. This is one the finest stonework in the world with its unique Manueline architectural style

 

Janela do Capitulo, Convento de Cristo, Cidade de Tomar

The Chapter Window seen from a certain distance. In the bottom of the window there’s a human face which seems to represent Diogo Arruda, the designer of the window

The Old Bridge of Tomar in a rainy day

Posted under Weather in Tomar by Fernando Fidalgo on November 1st, 2012. 1 Comment »

This is the Old Bridge (Ponte Velha) of the City of Tomar, in a rainy day in October 2010. This bridge whose official name is Bridge King D. Manuel I, taking the name of a king of Portugal who lived in the 16th Century, crosses River Nabão from the parish of São João Baptista to the parish of Santa Maria dos Olivais. The first two photos were shot facing the new areas of Tomar in the distance. The third photo was taken facing Corredoura (Rua Serpa Pinto) and on top of the hill you can see the Castle of Tomar.

Old Bridge in the City of Tomar in a wet day

Photo shot in a rainy day in the City of Tomar on the Old Bridge, whose official name is Bridge King Manuel I

 

Wet day in the Old Bridge of the City of Tomar

In a rainy day, crossing the Old Bridge of Tomar from the Parishes of São João Baptista to Santa Maria dos Olivais

 

Bridge King Manuel I, in a wet day in the City of Tomar

Photos taken in the middle of the Old Bridge of the City of Tomar, which crosses Nabão River. On the other side is Rua Serpa Pinto and in the distance on top of the hill, you can see the Castle of the Knights Templar