Palace of Carvajal

The courtyard of the Palacio de Carvajal is known mainly for a wonderful living olive tree, but I would like to highlight the traditional works of art made of clay. These containers were once used for cooking over the fire. It was a slow cooking that lingered all morning, but gave a special flavor to dishes. Special pots were needed, smaller than can be seen here. Then there were the jars, which were used to hold water and wine. And finally, the amphorae, an elongated object that rested on the grass in the yard, keeping seeds and products in the mud to keep them fresh. I am often transported back to the Carvajal Palace courtyard, where the historic olive tree seems to have become disillusioned with life.