International Women in Portugal added 16 new photos.

2 days ago

A small group of IWP members met our guide in Luis de Camoes Square then boarded a tram to Estrela and the British Cemetery. Non Catholics were not allowed to be buried in Catholic Cemeteries and part of the Treaty of 1654 negotiated between Cromwell and King João IV of Portugal stipulated that English subjects living in Portugal should have a plot allotted to them “fit for the burial of their dead” in the Lisbon area. Due to opposition from the Inquisition, nothing was done about this until the early eighteenth century and it was only in 1717 that a suitable plot was leased near the City “for the burial of our dead”.
Our guide explained that the British cemetery was more like a garden, with trees, shrubs and boxed hedges and benches where people could sit and enjoy the peace and remember loved ones. A stern notice at the entrance said “No plastic flowers.” The memorials were smaller and less ornate than in Catholic Cemeteries with very few statues or mausoleums. The Author of Tom Jones, Henry Fielding is buried here as he died whilst on a visit to Lisbon a city he described as the most dirty in the world
The group then walked to the German Cemetery, a small cemetery and again it was like visiting a garden. In 1821, the merchant Nicolaus Berend Schlick, from Lübeck, donated this land to the German evangelical community. It was inaugurated on January 25, 1822. It has the most beautiful but simple chapel where services are held.
Our last stop was Prazeres Cemetery, the largest cemetery in Lisbon. It was created in 1833 after the outbreak of a cholera epidemic. Many famous Portuguese citizens are buried here, including artists, authors and government figures, and the cemetery features many large mausoleums built in the 19th century. Our guide had arranged for us to visit the largest mausoleum built for the family of the Duke of Palmela. From the entrance area we went downstairs and then followed tunnels where the coffins were stored and it was explained the process of storage and decay of the bodies. Our guide explained the many Catholic and Free Mason symbols on monuments. An unusual tour but very interesting and raised lots of conversations about death.

Afterwards a group lunched at Campo Ourique market.

Many thanks again to Beverley for arranging another very interesting tour in her role as Cultural Events oraganiser. ...

Photo

International Women in Portugal added 10 new photos — in Sintra, Portugal.

3 days ago

Our pink coffee morning held in Sintra
A very pink occasion
Donations and scarfs were collected for Breast Cancer Charities.
Thank you Barbara for a wonderful morning
See details of our pink walk in Cascais, Tuesday, 30th October. 10.30
WWW.IWPPORTUGAL.ORG/EVENTS

. ...

Photo