windmill

Castro Verde, (Region of Alentejo) Portugal

These unique windmills used to be all over the Alentejo Region, but today they are harder to come by.  This particular windmill in Castro Verde stopped working by 1940 and was bought by the town in 2003.  It is now back in operation and open to the public for visits.
 

ceramic tiles in Castro Verde

Castro Verde, (Region of Alentejo) Portugal

These ceramic tiles, azulejos, decorate the backs of park benches outside the Basílica Real de Castro Verde.  It is quite common to see hand-painted tiles decorating public places throughout Portugal.  They are a treat for the eyes!