Portugal travel tips - Amieira do Tejo

Hey, have you heard about Amieira do Tejo? It's like stumbling upon a quirky secret that history left behind. Picture this: a castle perched upon a hill and a little chapel that's got people talking – and not just because of its old-world charm. Inside, there's artwork that'll definitely raise some eyebrows; we're talking about a carving that's more than a little risqué. Yup, a cheeky image of a sexual organ is up there for all to see!

Now, don't think there's no rhyme or reason to it. Almost everything's got a backstory, although, I have to say, this particular inclusion has left a few scratching their heads. The best guess? It might be all about celebrating life itself – you know, nature's wonders and all that. Center stage, within a circle, there's a depiction of a woman, and she's encircled by these rather bold masculine images, which some say could represent the magic of fertilization and the circle of life.

This chapel isn't just some standalone curiosity, though. It's snuggled right up next to the castle, which is a sight to behold in its own right. Built back in 1556, it's like stepping into a storybook. And this provocative image? It's just one piece of a larger puzzle – a stunning array of sgraffito artwork that adorns the ceiling. This kind of expansive sgraffito decor? It's a rarity in Portugal. The technique was all the rage in the Nisa region once upon a time, but mostly for little knick-knacks.

As for the castle, it's got serious history cred as a National Monument, dating all the way back to the 14th century. It's got a star-studded lineage, too – built by the Prior of Crato, who just happened to be the dad of the famous Nuno Álvares Pereira. Álvaro Gonçalves Pereira, the original castle-dweller, split his time between here and Crato.

So, fancy a trip to somewhere that blends a touch of medieval mystery with some eyebrow-raising art? Amieira do Tejo's got you covered – it's definitely not your everyday historic site!