Considering how often I pass by this church and admire its beautiful façade of azulejos, you would think I’d do it justice by photographing it properly rather than a drive-by shooting (usually Instagrammed from a bus, but in this case, with a DSLR from a car window). I keep telling myself: “Igreja do Carvalhido deserves better!”
However, it’s been three years and a proper visit hasn’t transpired (yet). Thus, I’ve loosened the editorial grip to show photos of the church a less-than-optimal angle, because I don’t want to settle for the Instagram versions. And neither should you.
The architect for the church is Luís Cunha (b. 1933, Porto), and the image on the front of the church is a depiction of the road to Jerusalem. The current building was built in 1967, but if it replaced an older church I have yet to uncover the story. I’m guessing this is the main church for the parish, on account of the number of festivals surrounding it from time to time.
The best time of the day to photograph Igreja do Carvalhido is in the morning, but if I want to put the distracting street signs and lamp post out of frame, the best place for me for stand happens to be in the middle of traffic. I’m sure no urban planner had this in mind (photography optimization, not pedestrians getting hit by cars).
Next visit will be on foot and I will be closer to the azulejos — they inject beauty to an otherwise ordinary city street corner. I’ll try not to get run over!
September 17, 2016
Album: Portugal [Summer 2016]
