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After more than twenty years without visiting Vila Real de Santo António, I recently returned to this city in the Algarve with my memory filled with nostalgia and the expectation of rediscovering a place that, when I was a teenager, was an obligatory stopping point during summer holidays. As I approached the center, I felt a slight anxiety and it seemed that time there had passed differently, preserving much of what I remembered.
The ventral street was full of people, local businesses were all in operation and everyone came and went to see or buy what interested them most.
PT
Após mais de vinte anos sem visitar Vila Real de Santo António, regressei recentemente a esta cidade do Algarve com a memória envolta em nostalgia e a expectativa de reencontrar um lugar que, na minha adolescência, era um ponto de paragem obrigatória nas férias de verão. Ao aproximar-me do centro, senti uma ligeira ansiedade e parecia que o tempo ali tinha passado de forma diferente, preservando muito do que recordava.
A rua ventral estava repleta de gente, o comercio local todo em funcionamento e todos entravam e saiam para ver ou para comprar aquilo que mais lhes interessava.
As I explored the streets and remembered the little details, I realized that although many of the city's elements remained unchanged, there were also new additions that brought new energy to the city!
Vila Real de Santo António is a city marked by a rich history, since its foundation in the 18th century, being one of the best examples of Pombaline urbanism.
PT
À medida que explorava as ruas e me recordava dos pequenos detalhes, percebi que, embora muitos dos elementos da cidade se mantivessem inalterados, havia também novidades que traziam à cidade uma nova energia!
Vila Real de Santo António é uma cidade marcada por uma história rica, desde a sua fundação no século XVIII, sendo um dos melhores exemplos do urbanismo pombalino.
The first big surprise, however, came when arriving at Praça Marquês de Pombal.
The café terraces were full of people, locals and tourists, creating a lively atmosphere that cannot be compared to the tranquility of other times. In the center, the Portuguese sidewalk, with its geometric patterns, remains a mark of the city's identity.
PT
A primeira grande surpresa, contudo, surgiu ao chegar à Praça Marquês de Pombal.
As esplanadas dos cafés estavam repletas de gente, de locais e de turistas, criando uma atmosfera animada que não se compara com a tranquilidade de outros tempos. No centro, a calçada portuguesa, com os seus padrões geométricos, permanece como uma marca da identidade da cidade.
In fact, one of the biggest transformations I noticed was the adaptation of public space to house cultural and tourist initiatives. During my visit, there was a small local crafts fair, something that twenty years ago I don't remember seeing. I was particularly impressed by the diversity of products on display, from traditional Algarve ceramics to the work of new local artists. There are many tourists browsing the street shops and many of them Spanish, as you just need to take the boat and you are in the neighboring country.
PT
De fato, uma das maiores transformações que notei foi a adaptação do espaço público para acolher iniciativas culturais e turísticas. Durante a minha visita, havia uma pequena feira de artesanato local, algo que, há vinte anos, não me recordo de ver. Fiquei particularmente impressionado com a diversidade de produtos expostos, desde peças de cerâmica tradicional algarvia até ao trabalho de novos artistas locais. Existem muitos turistas a percorrer as lojas de rua e muitos deles espanhóis, uma vez que basta apanhar o barco e estamos no país vizinho.
Another aspect that caught my attention was the growing presence of cycle paths and pedestrian areas, something that was not part of the scenario I remembered. Along the shore, I noticed several people walking or cycling, enjoying the landscape and the fresh air.
Despite the obvious transformations, I was surprised to realize that many of the elements that made Vila Real de Santo António unique continued to be maintained.
PT
Outro aspeto que me chamou a atenção foi a crescente presença de ciclovias e zonas pedonais, algo que não fazia parte do cenário que me recordava. Ao longo da marginal, notei várias pessoas a passear a pé ou de bicicleta, usufruindo da paisagem e do ar puro.
Apesar das evidentes transformações, fiquei surpresa ao perceber que muitos dos elementos que tornavam Vila Real de Santo António única continuavam a ser mantidos.
Looking at this "new" Vila Real de Santo António, with its new dynamics and at the same time its traditions, I couldn't help but think about the importance of historical preservation and adapting cities to today. The revitalization of spaces such as Praça Marquês de Pombal and the promotion of cultural events demonstrate how it is possible to find a balance between respect for the past and preparation for the future. I felt that, at the same time as I returned to the past, I was able to create new memories in the present.
PT
Olhando para esta "nova" Vila Real de Santo António, com as suas novas dinâmicas e ao mesmo tempo as suas tradições, não pude deixar de pensar sobre a importância da preservação histórica e da adaptação das cidades ao dia de hoje. A revitalização de espaços como a Praça Marquês de Pombal e a promoção de eventos culturais demonstram como é possível encontrar um equilíbrio entre o respeito pelo passado e a preparação para o futuro. Senti que, ao mesmo tempo que voltei ao passado, pude criar novas memórias no presente.
I hope you enjoyed.
See you around.
Wishing you much peace and health
Those who pass by us do not go alone. They leave a bit of themselves, taking a piece of us."
Author: Antoine de Saint-Exupery, The Little Prince.
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very cool the photos you show. thanks for sharing
Hi there @tomidiwirja! Glad you like it. Thank U for stopping by😊
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