• Home
  • Destinations
    • France >
      • Lourdes
      • Paris
      • Rouen
    • Gibraltar
    • Holland >
      • Amsterdam
    • Portugal >
      • Algarve >
        • Albufeira
        • Algarve coast
        • Praia da Oura
        • Sagres
        • Serra de Monchique
        • Vilamoura
      • Alentejo >
        • Alcacer do Sal
        • Alter do Chao
        • Avis >
          • Barragem do Maranhao
        • Barragem de Alqueva
        • Barragem do Caia
        • Castelo de Vide
        • Elvas
        • Estremoz
        • Evora
        • Galveias
        • Herdade das Fontainhas
        • Marvao
        • Montargil >
          • Barragem de Montargil
        • Montemor-o-Novo
        • Mora
        • Ponte de Sor / Tramaga
        • Portalegre
        • Reguengos de Monsaraz / Monsaraz
        • Seda
        • Vila Vicosa
      • Lisbon Region >
        • Alcobaca
        • Almada
        • Baleal
        • Batalha
        • Cabo Espichel
        • Cascais / Estoril coast
        • Costa coast
        • Costa da Caparica
        • Fatima
        • Lagoa de Albufeira
        • Lisboa
        • Montijo
        • Palmela
        • Sesimbra / Arrabida
        • Setubal
        • Sintra
        • Sintra surroundings & coast
        • Tomar
        • Trafaria
      • Central Region >
        • Coimbra
        • Figueira da Foz
        • Viseu
      • Porto & The North >
        • Braga
        • Guimaraes
        • Lamego
        • Moncao
        • Porto
        • Valenca
        • Viana do Castelo
        • Vila Real
    • Spain >
      • Badajoz
      • Baiona
      • Bilbao
      • El Escorial
      • Granada
      • Jerez surroundings
      • Madrid
      • Maqueda / Escalona
      • Merida
      • Mostoles
      • San Sebastian
      • Segovia
      • Seville
      • Tarifa coast
      • Toledo
      • Vitoria
    • UK >
      • Aldeburgh
      • Ipswich
  • Eat / Drink / Enjoy
    • Holland >
      • Restaurants / Cafes
      • Shops / Markets
    • Portugal >
      • Algarve >
        • Restaurants
      • Alentejo >
        • Restaurants
        • Events
      • Lisbon Region >
        • Cafes >
          • Lisboa Cafes
          • Sintra Cafes
          • Sesimbra Cafes
        • Restaurants >
          • Almada/Cacilhas Restaurants
          • Cascais Restaurants
          • Costa da Caparica Restaurants
          • Lisboa Restaurants
          • Palmela Restaurants
          • Sesimbra Restaurants
          • Setubal Restaurants
        • Bars / Nightlife
        • Shops / Markets
        • Events
      • Porto & The North >
        • Restaurants
        • Shops / Markets
    • Spain >
      • Restaurants / Cafes
      • Bars
      • Shops / Markets
      • Events
    • UK >
      • Cafes
      • Restaurants
      • Shops / Markets
    • Mamas specials >
      • Savouries >
        • Salada Russa
      • Sweets
  • Relax / Sleep
    • France >
      • Paris
    • Holland >
      • Amsterdam
    • Portugal >
      • Algarve
      • Alentejo
      • Porto & The North
    • Spain >
      • Madrid & Surroundings
      • Bilbao
      • Merida
    • UK
  • Driving tips
    • Driving regulations / info >
      • Driving in France
      • Driving in Portugal
      • Driving in Spain
    • Basic essentials
    • Staying safe
    • Channel crossing
    • Car hire
    • Saving tips
    • Languages
  • Our Discoveries
    • Latest article
  • About us
    • Photo Gallery
    • Video Gallery
    • Road Trip Tunes
    • A Case Study
    • Contact Us
beepbeepeurope

Top 5 reasons for visiting Galveias in Alto Alentejo, Portugal

29/10/2015

17 Comments

 
Galveias Church of Sao Lourenco (Igreja)
Galveias Church of Sao Lourenco (Igreja)

Why visit Galveias?...

Well, there are plenty of reasons why you should - here's just a few to start with...
1. Galveias is filled with richness and simplistic beauty
When you visit Galveias you will literally be stepping back in time. Dating back to 1342 and originally named 'Vila Nova do Laranjal', Galveias still wonderfully portrays some very vintage characteristics. With its splendid narrow cobblestone streets, which make for a noisy and bumpy ride, to its magnificent old buildings some of which unfortunately are barely still standing, this pretty little village will charm the pants off you. It definitely won't disappoint the inquisitive and those who enjoy the sound of silence, especially once the summer months are over. This is the time when families return back home to the cities or to their homes abroad, leaving their senior relatives behind.  
Galveias - Alentejo, Portugal
Galveias - Alentejo, Portugal
Galveias, the purple house - road trip through the Alentejo, Portugal.
Galveias - Alentejo, Portugal
Galveias - Alentejo, Portugal
Many of its buildings are fabulous historic mansions, probably with original servant quarters, dating back a couple of centuries. You'll be amazed with the eclectic mix of styles - some very old and some very new, some whitewashed and many with a beautifully tiled facades. A few with many floors, the majority with a first floor and balcony, plus a few bungalows speckled here and there. Its delightfully interesting as not one house is the same. With so many pretty antique windows, doors, gates and wells - it's a photographer's dream. Galveias was named one of the richest locations in Portugal a few years back due to the worth of surrounding land and ancient buildings which were donated to the village by the Marques Ratao family.
Galveias Nicho - Alentejo, Portugal.
The Nicho
Galveias Nicho - Alentejo, Portugal
The Nicho
Galveias Nicho - Alentejo, Portugal
The Nicho
Galveias Nicho - Alentejo, Portugal
The Nicho
Galveias Nicho - road trip through the Alentejo, Portugal.
The Nicho
Galveias comprises of new and old quarters - the majority of buildings have either been extended or re-built and in recent years a new quarter with completely new builds was established. There are also three zones which are split from the main village itself by the N244 which runs alongside it rather than through it. These are known as the 'Bairro do Queimado', 'Bairro Novo' and 'Bairro Velho'. 
Galveias Chapel of Sao Saturnino (Capela) - Alentejo, Portugal
Chapel of Sao Saturnino (Capela)
Galveias Chapel of Senhor das Almas (Capela) - Alentejo, Portugal
Chapel of Senhor das Almas (Capela)
Galveias Church of Misericordia (Igreja) - Alentejo, Portugal
Church of Misericordia (Igreja)
For a small village, Galveias certainly offers an abundance of religious buildings with some dating back to the 16th century. Its main church the Sao Lourenco stands proud at the top of its main hill and can be spotted well into the distance. It's absolutely stunning inside if you ever get the chance to see it as it's mainly closed and only opened for weekly Sunday mass. There is also one other church located in the Terreiro centre and another six chapels dotted all around the village, with the Chapel of Sao Saturnino located at the top of another hill overlooking the village, offering the most phenomenal views. There are also some wonderful gardens you can wander through as you enter Galveias from the north and an adorable fountain 'fonte' dating back to 1879.
Galveias Fountain (Fonte) - Alentejo, Portugal
Galveias Fountain (Fonte)
Galveias Church of Sao Lourenco (Igreja Matriz) - Alentejo, Portugal
Church of Sao Lourenco (Igreja Matriz)
Galveias Church of Misericordia (Igreja) - road trip through the Alentejo, Portugal.
Church of Misericordia (Igreja)
Unfortunately, there are currently no hotels in Galveias, unless you find a nice family who will put you up, but you can find accommodation in nearby Ponte de Sor which is around 13 kms away. Galveias is c. 140 kms from Lisboa offering a really enjoyable road trip. You can either take the A6 motorway, turning off before Montemor-o-Novo, then heading towards Arraiolos, Pavia, Avis or alternatively you can head towards Coruche, Couco, Montargil, Ponte de Sor, taking in all the spectacular views this marvelous countryside has to offer.
Galveias view from Chapel of Sao Saturnino (Capela) - road trip through the Alentejo, Portugal.
View from Chapel of Sao Saturnino (Capela)
2. Galveias is flourishing with multi-lingual & friendly residents (including four legged ones)
Many young people and families emigrated from Galveias to other parts of the world throughout the decades, especially during the 70s when the majority moved to London. So much so, today you will find that a number of those who emigrated during that time have now returned and retired in this quiet little paradise - this is the reason why you'd find a wide variety of languages spoken here today, especially English.
Galveias - Alentejo, Portugal
Galveias - Alentejo, Portugal
Galveias - Alentejo, Portugal
Galveias - Alentejo, Portugal
Galveias has always had a real and wonderful community feel - everyone knows everyone, look out for one another and greet each other when passing, unlike what the rest of us normally experience in the cities. 
You'll also find many animals - a few stray cats and dogs looked after by the locals and a few farm animals still raised in backyards, orchards and surrounding farms and ranches, but these have somewhat dwindled over the years. In times gone by Galveias was full of cattle, sheep, goats, horses and donkeys. I still have memories of riding on one of my grandad's donkeys and extremely enjoying a ride on the back of an ox-cart as well as seeing many animals walking through the streets being taken to the fountain for water.
Herdade das Fontainhas - Galveias - road trip through the Alentejo, Portugal.
It was also amazing waking up to the sound of cockerels in the morning and barn animals throughout the day including chickens, pigs, sheep and goats. This is somewhat a dying occurrence as many of the younger residents have had to take on different types of jobs compared to their elders. Both my grandads were shepherds and spent most of their time out in the surrounding countryside farming and looking after sheep - how surreal is that. 
Galveias - Alentejo, Portugal
Galveias - Alentejo, Portugal
3. Galveias is full of summer fun - slide, splash and slide again
The village was injected with life in recent years with the build of the outdoor swimming baths, Oasis. It has made Galveias a popular destination for the young and families alike. Many flock to use the slides and pools from June to September, ​travelling long distances, spending the day out.
Galveias Oasis Aqua Park (Parque Aquatico) - Alentejo, Portugal
Oasis Aqua Park (Parque Aquatico/Piscinas)
In the summer months when the pool is open the silence is broken with the sound of happiness. All you can hear is children's laughter, playing and having fun in the pools as well as a few grown ups too, after all we're just big kids at heart.
There is now also an outdoor gym (fitness park) for everyone to use whenever they fancy. These machines are simple, hardwearing, resistance machines with which use your own bodyweight to workout. 
Galveias Oasis Aqua Park (Parque Aquatico/Piscinas)
Oasis Aqua Park (Parque Aquatico/Piscinas)
Galveias Oasis Aqua Park (Parque Aquatico/Piscinas)
Oasis Aqua Park (Parque Aquatico/Piscinas)
Galveias Oasis Aqua Park (Parque Aquatico/Piscinas)
Oasis Aqua Park (Parque Aquatico/Piscinas)
Galveias Oasis Fitness Park (Fitness Parque)
Oasis Fitness Park (Fitness Parque)
4. Galveias is insanely peaceful  
If you fancy getting away from it all and everyone and looking for peace and quiet, Galveias is the perfect destination. You can walk around taking in the sights at your leisure and not encounter a soul at times, especially in the dead heat. The heat can be so unbearable in the afternoons during the summer months, the majority choose to stay cool indoors.
Galveias - road trip through the Alentejo, Portugal.
Galveias - Alentejo, Portugal
Galveias - Alentejo, Portugal
It's so laid back, it's eerily calm, with not much movement - particularly during the winter months. Great for long walks, not only through the village but also through the surrounding sensational countryside off the beaten track. Or take a drive to the nearest lakes for some breathtaking views, either to Montargil or Maranhao. There are also some lovely towns and villages nearby, Avis is around 17 kms south and Ponte de Sor 13 kms north. From there you should visit Tramaga, Vale de Acor and Herdade das Fontainhas as they too are equally as charming.
Galveias The Tower of Sepulveda Estate (Monte/Herdade da Torre)
The Tower of Sepulveda Estate (Monte/Herdade da Torre)
Galveias The Tower of Sepulveda Estate (Monte/Herdade da Torre)
The Tower of Sepulveda Estate (Monte/Herdade da Torre)
Galveias The Tower of Sepulveda Estate (Monte/Herdade da Torre)
The Tower of Sepulveda Estate (Monte/Herdade da Torre)
Galveias The Tower of Sepulveda Estate (Monte/Herdade da Torre)
The Tower of Sepulveda Estate (Monte/Herdade da Torre)
During the summer months, you'll find the most peaceful time to chill out in Galveias is at night, you will also encounter the most astounding sky. I have never seen so many stars light up the sky as I have in the Alentejo - it's literally out of this world. Plus, the only sounds you're most likely to hear are the crickets and the church bell wonderfully ringing its tune on the hour. 
Galveias - Alentejo, Portugal
5. Galveias will draw you back again - it's certainly full of 'Saudades' of times gone by
I have the most cherished and remarkable memories of Galveias. It's very dear to my heart as my ancestors originated from this special little place. I experienced such incredible moments during my childhood and love taking time out to reminisce every now and then.
Galveias View from Chapel of Sao Saturnino (Capela)
View from Chapel of Sao Saturnino (Capela)
After moving to London in the 70s we would visit each summer to see family members we had left behind. I had the best summer holidays ever! Like mine, Galveias was inundated with families who returned home for a short break. Every August it would be packed with visitors from all over the globe. I remember huge family reunions and having many kids to play with, both those who were visiting as well as those who lived in Galveias. It was extremely safe and I would go off to play for hours on end, walking or cycling, visiting whoever I fancied, returning home every so often and then off again. Doors were all left unlocked and mainly wide open so you could just let yourself in. 
Galveias
Galveias - Alentejo, Portugal
I just loved popping over to see my great grandparents, grandparents, uncles, aunties and cousins and listening to their stories. I also enjoyed using their outdoor laundry tanks as my very own little swimming pool. Talking about swimming pools, I recall us kids popping down to the local fountain 'Fonte' one very hot day, having a dip and a huge splash fight - of course we were the talk of the town and reprimanded by our parents when we got home.
Galveias
I recollect the elderly men sitting in the main village gardens, holding their walking sticks, wearing their caps, long sleeve shirts and cardigans in high summer and chatting away from late afternoon into the evening, including my grandad. Cafes were also packed with men drinking and playing cards, especially the Terreiro cafe. Meanwhile, the women were at the outdoor water tanks (located behind the village fountain) washing their laundry, having a natter and singing traditional folk songs. As children, we used to pop into the cafes often for icecream and sweets - those 'sugos' were so irresistible, I can taste them now. At one point Galveias had more cafes than hot dinners, it's a shame some have now closed.
Galveias The Terreiro Centre
The Terreiro Centre
Galveias Fountain (Fonte)
Galveias Fountain (Fonte)
Galveias Gardens (Jardim)
Galveias Gardens (Jardim)
Galveias Gardens (Jardim)
Galveias Gardens (Jardim)
It was commonplace to see the older women, who were most likely widows, wearing black clothing head to toe, in headscarves, long sleeves and long skirts even in the intense heat with little aprons tied to their waists. Women would also wrap cloths in a circle and place it on their heads to cushion the heavy jugs and basins they had to carry through the streets from the village fountain - containing either water or laundry.
During the evenings the streets would be packed with people. Not many had electricity at home at the time, (let alone TVs), having to use paraffin lamps to light their homes instead. People therefore tended to socialise more - they would sit on their front porches, or go for walks in groups and greet and chat to everyone whilst the kids played outdoors. When my family got together for lunches and dinners it mainly ended in big debates and huge arguments between the men, either about politics or football - funnily it was always my dad against the rest.
Galveias
Galveias
Galveias
Galveias
Galveias
Galveias
Things were so different back then - I have memories of drinking water from big cork spoons which my grandad had handmade and toasting bread in my gran's kitchen log fire. Fresh milk from local cattle was measured and sold door to door in big steel weighing jugs. Bread was pre-ordered and left in fabric bags on door handles early morning.

With so much surrounding land and orchards within the village, Galveias was very fruitful in growing olive and fruit trees, producing olive oil and an array of super delicious fruits from oranges to figs, lemons, apples, sharon fruit, pomegranates, melons, watermelons and many, many grapes. My great uncle used to bring me bucketloads of fresh figs to eat as he knew they were my favourites. Homemade tomato jam and honey was a special treat too, we used to bring it back home from Galveias and still do so to this day. 
Galveias
Galveias
Galveias
Galveias
As a child, my uncle used to sneak me on a thrilling bike ride on dirt tracks, at the front of his bike rather than pillion - no helmets and no health and safety back then. It's no wonder I'm quite a tomboy at heart today. It also didn't help when my father took me to the local barber's rather than a hairdresser and I nearly went home bald - all my locks were gone to my mum's despair.
Galveias
Galveias Bairro do Queimado
Bairro do Queimado
I also really loved the days we spent at the nearby lake 'Barragem de Montargil'. During these day trips we would drive through the dirt tracks into the countryside, rather than on main roads and the drive would seem endless until we reached the most beautiful setting. Parked the cars under trees for shade and laid out the rugs, the picnic chairs and tables ready for a delicious picnic. Our mums would cook using a little gas stove or build a BBQ. My dad used to put up posts in the water so us kids would have swimming boundaries - even though the water seemed very still, it had a slight undercurrent. As well as sailing trips in the rubber dinghy, we also used to spend hours on my swing, which my dad used to hang from a tree. We did so much swinging over the years until one day the rope finally snapped and someone went flying forwards (I can't remember who). Adults spent their time fishing, chatting and playing cards and the kids would have so much fun playing lots and lots of games, the only downside was the 'not so fun' rule following lunch. We'd have to wait  3-4 hours before being allowed back in the water - a Portuguese digestion tale. 
Avis Barragem do Marahao Lake
Barragem do Marahao Lake
Avis Barragem do Marahao Lake
Barragem do Marahao Lake
Galveias
Galveias
The only downfall with taking the road tracks would be that you couldn't drive that fast as you could lose control of the car at any moment in the sand. On one occasion my dad did lose control of the car and knocked down seven trees (skinny ones that is) - he hit them head on and they went right over the bonnet and the roof. All the passengers were very shaken up but luckily no-one was hurt and really lucky for me that I wasn't one of them - it probably would have scarred me for life and I already panic with most things. The car was severely damaged but amazingly we still managed to drive it back to London that year. On another occasion one of the cars in the convoy got stuck in deep mud. It was always wise to travel in a big group as there were no mobile phones to call for help. Looking back, we really did have the best times ever.
Galveias
Galveias
Although Galveias is renowned for being really quiet it also has its noisy moments,. Tractors used to drive by full of men and women being taken to the countryside to work on farms and in the fields, very early hours of the morning - they would make such a racket on the cobblestones and were an alarming wake up call, which was way too early for the rest of us on holiday.

Galveias is also noisy when the village 'Festas' festivals take place. We always enjoy going along to these for the tasty food and entertainment. It also once had a folk dance group (O rancho), I don't believe it exists today but recall attending the rehearsals with my cousin when I was a young teen, I just couldn't help myself and had to join in and dress up in the traditional folklore outfits too. I believe Galveias still has a brass band to this day which perform every so often - I remember seeing my uncle playing the trumpet when he was very young.
As teenagers we were banned from entering the village 'Boite' nightclub - which looked like an ordinary house from the outside - it was located opposite the village Fountain. It was hugely recognised by the locals for its shady reputation. Most likely a huge disappointment for the men when it closed down many moons ago.
Picture
Festas das Galveias
Festas das Galveias
Festas das Galveias
Festas das Galveias
Festas das Galveias
Festas das Galveias
Festas das Galveias
Galveias is truly a joyful and unique place and once visited, is never forgotten... 
Galveias Gardens (Jardim) - Alentejo, Portugal
Galveias Gardens (Jardim)
Galveias Gardens (Jardim)
Galveias Gardens (Jardim)
Galveias south
Galveias south
There's now even a romantic novel named Galveias, describing some of the fascinating places we see today, written by Jose Luis Peixoto. Who would have guessed that one of Portugal's most gifted authors would have come from... Galveias!
Galveias Gardens (Jardim) - road trip through the Alentejo, Portugal.
Galveias Gardens (Jardim)
For further information on Galveias, its surroundings and Alentejo please visit our Destinations pages for more details as follows:

Discover Galveias
Discover Avis
Discover Barragem de Maranhao
Discover Ponte de Sor
Discover Barragem de Montargil
Discover Montargil
Discover Tramaga
Discover Herdade das Fontainhas
​Discover Seda
Discover Alentejo

For more beepbeepeurope stories & tips

DESTINATIONS
OUR DISCOVERIES
DRIVING TIPS
HOME

Photography: beepbeepeurope 
© Copyright. All rights reserved.

17 Comments
Ana patuleia ortins link
4/11/2015 02:24:01 am

Galveias is my father's hometown

Reply
Sandra Ratel
4/11/2015 05:37:15 pm

A minha Vila,, my family are from Galveias, my parents, me & my younger sister moved to London in the late 70's but we returned every Summer, great memories & loved reading this, brought back so many memories, thank you

Reply
Sandra Ratel link
4/11/2015 06:14:30 pm

Hi Sandra, Thanks for liking the post. Galveias has surely touched many lives. I keep having to add more stories as more wonderful childhood memories keep popping into my head... Regards, BpBp

Ana Patuleia Ortins link
4/11/2015 09:46:26 pm

Hope you enjoyed reading about your father's hometown. It brings much joy and happy memories to many.

Reply
Ana Patuleia Ortins link
4/11/2015 10:20:51 am

Hope you enjoyed reading about your father's hometown. It brings much joy and happy memories to many.

Reply
Ilda Bacalhau Marques
4/11/2015 02:07:24 pm

Galveias, so beautifully described. Both my parents are from Galveias. I became acquainted to this beautiful village in 1970 when my mother decided to visit her family after an absence of 21 years having emigrated to Africa in 1949.

Reply
Ilda Bacalhau Marques link
4/11/2015 04:23:14 pm

Hi Ilda, Thanks for your nice comment. Wow - 21 years without having visited is a mighty long time. She must have had plenty of 'saudades'. There are so many amazing stories of people who emigrated all over the globe from this magnificent little village.

Reply
Nella
4/11/2015 06:47:07 pm

Merci pour ce sublime article ! J'ai passé tous mes étés à Galveias pendant des années, les photos sont sublimes et reflètent bien la beauté de ce joli village, merci pour tous ces souvenirs :)

Reply
Nella link
4/11/2015 09:43:10 pm

Bonsoir Nella, merci beaucoup pour votre commentaire - je suis bien contente que tu avais passer etes a Galveias aussi. Sans aucun doute Galveias cree grand souvenirs pour tout le monde que l'avez visite.

Reply
Nella link
5/11/2015 12:18:36 pm

Bonsoir Nella, merci beaucoup pour votre commentaire - je suis bien contente que tu avais passer etes a Galveias aussi. Sans aucun doute Galveias cree grand souvenirs pour tout le monde que l'avez visite. Apologies if my French isn't perfect - it has been a very, very long time since I studied it.

Reply
Nella
17/11/2015 09:46:08 pm

Your French is better than my English :) Obrigada para tua resposta

Rose Marie Braganca Galopim
4/11/2015 10:35:59 pm

This was very touching....it was like I was telling the same story. Galveias is birthplace/home to my father (Galopim)and my mother (Braganca). They immigrated to USA in the 1970's where I was born. Our summer vacations were always in Galveias. I Still today visit this beautiful quiet memory spot. My last visit was in October. <3 Galveias will always be in my heart and blood. Thank you for sharing this story.... I loved it.

Reply
Rose Marie Braganca Galopim link
5/11/2015 12:31:36 pm

Hi Rose, I'm so happy to hear that my stories touch others the way they touch me and that you really loved it - it's really nice to receive great feedback. It keeps me going as they take so much time and hard work putting together. There seems to be quite a few of us out there who have experienced the same things. Your life was so parallel to mine - but you guys travelled so much further to get there, it's amazing how you managed to pop over every summer. Glad it brought back some very special and happy memories.

Reply
Lucia Costa
19/11/2015 09:19:02 am

Another touching story and this time about Galveias and our childhood greatest moments.
Thank you for sharing with us your love for Galveias and the amazing times we spent there.
As usual the pictures are beautiful and make me feel very proud of our heritage.


Reply
Constantina Galopim Pina
14/2/2016 12:51:38 am

Galveias,my birthplace. This is wonderful, touching my heart and soul ,and I thank you for taking the time and so beautiful describing this gem. My family left Galveias 1960 to USA. I was 11 the day after arriving to USA.My roots so deeply rooted, even at such a young age . The buildings I see and remember,The streets,the Chapels,,and their names I thank you soo much for sparking the memory of such names that sometimes escapes me. The ''Fonte'' wich has the a poem dedicated to all the imigrantes ,was writen by my father,Francisco Galopim, as a tribute to them,and the town he loved so much.A step in time when life was so simple,and every one was considerate as family. I cherish the memories,and the lessons of decent good people, fiber weaved so deeply in me and the foundation that made me. SAUDADES. Galveias always in my heart.
Thank you so so much. Bjinhos.

Reply
Victor Torcato
27/7/2016 12:57:42 pm

Lovely and very well told stories. Really brought back memories. I was born in a little house in this wonderful little village and was part of yet another one of those families who immigrated to London in the 70's and returned every summer by car. We would have the usual highlights of going to the Barragem de Montargil and the Festas das Galveias as well as the family get togethers, weddings or baptisms. Back in the 80s, I was lucky enough to spend two years of my childhood there experiencing other things such as going to the lovely quaint primary school, going to the cortiça with my dad during the really long school summer holidays, sitting by the fire in the winter helping my grandad 'retalhar azeitonas', etc. I also helped take care of farm animals and for a short time one winter, I even owned a 'capote'. I have so many stories that I could go on for hours... I am fortunate enough to now live in the Algarve which is not only another beautiful place to live in but it has the added benefit of being in my country. Thank you for this trip down memory lane.

Reply
Natalia Manley
23/2/2021 09:54:40 am

I discovered this today whilst researching images for a new series of textile works celebrating my hometown.
Now I have a little tear in my eyes. Thank you so much for such a beautiful article.
Just reading the comments has brought back so many memories. Names that I remember from so long ago.
I was born in Galveias in 1956. My father was the barber at the time- the shop in the Terreiro- my parents moved to Alhos Vedros when I was a baby, i spent a lot of time with my grandparents in Galveias and my first 3 weeks of school were spent in the school in Galveias.
I came to live in London in 1969 aged 13
Some of my family still live in Galveias- my auntie Alzira Peixoto- yes The amazing Jose Luis Peixoto is my”little cousin”-well not so little anymore
So as you can probably tell, Im suffering from a severe case of covid lockdown “Galveias Saudades “.....

Reply



Leave a Reply.

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.