Good night, fellow Bees!
This is one of the squares of Viana do Castelo, in the North of Portugal, and its a historical landmark usually decorated in times of festivities and around holiday seasons.
It's a nice place for a walk, with plenty of outdoor terraces serving snacks and drinks. You can also have lunch at these places, if you wish. The local cuisine is excellent and there are some pastries which you won't find anywhere else. Some people travel kms just to get them and return home, not only from other places in Portugal but also from Spain, too. 😋
The square is named after the Revolution of 1910 that took place in Portugal and which led to the fall of Monarchy and the beginning of the Republic. Thus, this spot is called Praça da República, which translates to Republic Square.
Prior to that, this place was conveniently called Praça da Rainha ... or the Queen's Square.
The fountain in the middle of the square is a very old monument, having been built in the middle of the 16th century. It's been standing here for almost 500 years now.
Right beside the fountain lies a fortified building which served as the City Hall (Paços Municipais de Viana do Castelo) for many centuries. The building is even older than the fountain and it was constructed in the start of the 16th century.
Since it's such a historical and symbolical building of the city, three flags keep flying above its balconies: the Flag of the City, the Portuguese Flag... and the European Union Flag.
Centuries ago, this was a multi-functional building. So, in addition of being used as the City Hall it was also a jail, a library and a bread and flour market. 😄
Nowadays the building is used as a cultural centre and holds many exhibitions which keep rotating all through the year, usually related to the city itself or showcasing the work of local artists. Although this is not mandatory. If an opportunity arises, an international exhibit will obviously be welcomed at the centre.
I hope you enjoyed these photos... and come to visit this place one day.
| Location | Viana do Castelo - Portugal |
| Camera | Nokia Lumia 535 |
| Photos | 2 (Edited with GIMP) |
16th century huh, that was quite a long time. Really that city hall was used in different things? That's nice, I love historical place.
Yeah, it had many different uses in the past... and it will probably have some more in the future! 😎
I'm imagining how the first one looks when it is night and the light decorations lit up 😊
It's a beautiful place 👌
Thanks. Indeed it's a lovely little square!
Looks like a nice place to me, one worth visiting one day.
I hope you can make it... and there is a lot more to see in the city. There are even cool beaches nearby, if that's your thing! 😎
Beaches are cool but I'm not the one who loves to stay on the beach all day, especially in a terrible heat.
Ohoohoho! 😁
Thanks for your visit.
Nice place
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.
This looks like a stunning place to visit and spend time at. It must be a very pleasant jail to be in, since you can just smell all that freshly baked bread from next door. It's also an improvement over the previous town square. At least Republic Square doesn't have a public beating space 😆
Yeah, this one is quite different from that other square in Vila do Conde. But I assure you, we had a public beating space in every town! And that didn't stop criminals from popping up. 🤭
Thanks for your visit.
And thank you for sharing these photos! I guess criminals are a very persistent bunch of people 😆
They sure are, if not even a public beating stops them from mischieving! 😁
Lol, it surely does, as grim as that sounds. 😬
What beautiful places to enjoy a hike and a good meal, friend @trincowski
It seems to me that Portugal is a very beautiful country.
Very good post.
Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Yep, we have a nice little country by the sea! No complains on that regard! 😎
So much history in this place. You can almost feel it just looking at the photos. What more being there in person. I would have loved to see the displays in the museum but I don't think they will allow pictures taken of these. Portugal is a very beautiful country.
When they're distracted... you can always take a few photos. 😎
Thanks, I hope you can visit us someday.
Wow that looks Like a nice place to eat and relax 😍 really Love your Posts about Portugal!
Thank you very much! I'm glad to hear that! 🤗
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