Content warning: In Porto, Portugal by Vhils: “New wall completed last Friday for “Look at Porto”, in the great city of Porto, Portugal. The piece combines natural and human elements, with the figure’s eye gazing out poetically towards the city and its old neighbourhoods,
In Porto, Portugal by Vhils: “New wall completed last Friday for “Look at Porto”, in the great city of Porto, Portugal. The piece combines natural and human elements, with the figure’s eye gazing out poetically towards the city and its old neighbourhoods, humanising the built environment while highlighting the wealth of its human heritage”.
Content warning: In the city of Porto, Portugal, there’s a church that stands out from everything around it. It’s called the Chapel of Souls, and its walls are completely covered in 15,947 blue tiles, called azulejos. These tiles make the building look like a piece of art
In the city of Porto, Portugal, there’s a church that stands out from everything around it. It’s called the Chapel of Souls, and its walls are completely covered in 15,947 blue tiles, called azulejos.
These tiles make the building look like a piece of art. The work was done by Eduardo Leite in 1929, and it’s still as beautiful as ever.
The pictures on the tiles tell important stories from history and religion, like the death of Saint Francis of Assisi and the martyrdom of Saint Catherine. Even though they were made in the 20th century, the tiles were designed to look like they came from the 1800s, making them feel timeless.
But the Chapel of Souls isn’t just about tiles. It also has stunning stained glass windows that show scenes of “the souls.” These windows were painted by Amândio Silva in the 19th century, even before the tiles were added. Together, the windows and tiles make this church a must-see for anyone who loves art and history.
The chapel has two entrances, including one that leads to a tall, two-story bell tower. It’s a great example of the craftsmanship that Portugal is known for. Whether you’re a big fan of art or just someone who likes exploring cool places, the Chapel of Souls will leave a lasting impression.
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Perched above Lake Como, the Castle of Vezio (Varenna) hosts an ever-changing display of ghostly figures—life-sized sculptures that seem to linger between worlds.
Each summer, visitors craft these eerie forms from gauze and chalk, leaving behind spectral guardians that silently watch over the lake.
As autumn fades to winter, the elements reclaim these fragile apparitions, ensuring that no two seasons look the same. This ephemeral tradition transforms the medieval ruins into a hauntingly beautiful blend of history, art, and imagination—where every visitor leaves a ghostly mark on time.
A ghostly figure leans forward against a stone railing, gazing endlessly over the waters of Lake Como. The flowing white fabric, shaped by time and weather, gives the impression of a lost soul frozen in place.
A Haunting Presence in the Castle Ruins
Seated on the edge of an ancient stone wall, this spectral sculpture appears deep in thought, its hooded form blending into the medieval surroundings. Its hollow face and draped fabric create an unsettling, almost lifelike presence
Guardians of Vezio
One of the many ghostly figures scattered around the Castle of Vezio, this statue appears to stand watch, its faceless form turned toward the horizon. Over time, the elements will erode it, leaving only a memory behind.
