Art highlights cruise stops from Spain to Amsterdam
Source: El Paso Times (Original Article)
In Old Harwich, England, brick-fronted Georgian and early Victorian buildings are interspersed among older houses. This one dates from 1698. (Photos by Ruth Taber / El Paso Times)
Related: Part 1 of Ruth Taber’s journey, from Italy to Spain.
This is the second in a two-part series.As we enjoyed laid-back “Italian-style cruising” from Italy to Amsterdam aboard the Costa Atlantica in May, our voyage continued around the Iberian coast, heading north to Lisbon. In Lisbon, optional excursions to Fatima, Cascais-Sintra or Lisbon and the National Palace of Quelez (known as the Versailles of Portugal) were available. We opted for touring on our own.We took the urban railway to Belem, where we were surprised by the dazzling art in the Museu Collec? o Berardo. The museum, which opened last year, features works from the 20th and 21st centuries, including many items from José Berardo’s collection.We were both impressed and overwhelmed by “Severambia,” Frank Stella’s mixed media on fiberglass — a colorful sculptural canvas combining painting, 3-D computer graphics and collage.My favorite, Niki de Saint Phalle, was represented by her sculpture “Les Baigneuses” (”The Bathers”) in the museum’s garden. Everyone looking at the colorful “bathing beauties” had a big smile.Belem’s Monastery of St. Jerome is an impressive symbol of Portugal’s power and wealth in the 16th century. Famous explorers prayed here before setting out on risky sea voyages.The Monument of Discoveries, looking like a large ship’s prow perched over the AdvertisementTagus River, honors great explorers of the past. Sculptured figures on the “prow” include Henry the Navigator, Magellan and Vasco da Gama. We had a great view of this large monument as the Costa Atlantica sailed out the Tagus toward the Atlantic on its way to Vigo, Spain.Vigo, Galicia’s largest city, is one of the largest fishing ports in Europe and a mecca for seafood-loving tourists. We had scheduled a lunch House And Garden Article 26608 date with a friend who practices …continue reading