Blue – Haiku 2023 #ThursdayDoors

Posted bySuzette BenjaminPosted inPoetry
Entrance to the Cloisters, Porto Cathedral, Portugal. Image credit: © Petru Dorel Stan | Dreamstime
Another door in the Cloister, Porto Cathedral, Portugal. Image Credit: © Diego Grandi | Dreamstime

inside stories

secluded but not hidden

cloistered in blue

~~~

**ThursdayDoors Special Feature

Today, I am taking a different approach to the usual ThursdayDoors posts, shifting focus from the main entrance doors to the interior doors of the cathedral.

**Featured above are the intricate tilework surrounding the entrance doors to the south transept’s Cloisters at Porto Cathedral, Portugal (completed 1737 A.D.).

What makes these doors truly special are the exquisite blue tiles, known as azulejo, dating back to the years 1729-1731 A.D. that usher the visitor towards the cloister. These tin-fired ceramics are a mix of meticulously patterned work and beautifully hand-painted designs.

These ornate tiles weave a narrative that depicts scenes from the life of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Yet, there’s more – intertwined with Mary’s tale are scenes from Ovid’s Metamorphoses. (Take a closer look below.)

Closeup – Tilework (Azulejos) around doors to the Cloister, Porto Cathedral. Image credit: © Arco / J. Pfeiffer | Alamy

Trivia #1: Beyond the beauty of the azulejo tiles in Porto Cathedral, their original purpose was/is to retain heat in the walls during colder months.

Trivia #2: Rumor has it that J.K. Rowling, author of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone series was inspired by the buildings in Porto Portugal where she lived and worked in the early to late 1990s.

View of the cloister entrance from outside, Porto Cathedral, Portugal (below)

Baroque facade of the south transept, Porto Cathedral, Portugal. Image credit: © Junior Braz | Dreamstime

Facade, Porto Cathedral, Portugal

Main Entrance facade, Porto Cathedral, Portugal. Image credit: © Stuart Andrews | Dreamstime

Aerial view Porto Cathedral, Portugal

Aerial view, Porto Cathedral. Image credit: © Drivers67 | Dreamstime

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And, for More

#ThursdayDoors visit Dan Antion – No Facilities

Teresa, My camera and I

Published by Suzette Benjamin

Positive thinker, inspirational, writer, faith

61 thoughts on “Blue – Haiku 2023 #ThursdayDoors”

  2. The cloisters of Porto Cathedral has been on my list for a while. The azulejos covering the walls beside the elaborate stone doors look incredible. As always, your poem matches its beauty. Maggie

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Pingback: Blue – Haiku 2023 #ThursdayDoors | Ned Hamson's Second Line View of the News

  6. That’s a lovely haiku, and an interesting and beautiful approach to the cathedral. Those tiles are stunning. I can understand if being in this space was JK’s inspiration. I’m not sure you could be inside and not be moved.

    Liked by 1 person

  19. 💙shifting focus from the main entrance doors to the interior doors of the cathedral.💙

    This is wonderful to learn about the interior doors.
    And the colour – Cloistered Blue – a rich shade of blue.

    Liked by 1 person

      1. Beautiful Poet, exquisite tilework. Similarly, these patterns were later featured on crockery as well. I also love the contrast in the azejulo with its Mediterranean feeling.

        Thank you Poet, happy Friday to you to.
        Peace.

        Liked by 1 person

  20. Wonderful post. When I visited last year, it was difficult to access and take pictures of the amazing tiles and archways due to several rough-sleepers taking cover from the warm sun.

    Like

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