squatting over their work for hours at a time, which
does mean the laying of these kinds of pavements and any repairs to
to them do take considerably more
time than more conventional materials you may be used
to.
The craftsmen,
calceteiros, lay the individual setts on a bed of
sand, which is above aggregate. Using strings they then
map out the design and set about laying the setts in. In
some areas of Portugal the calceteiros also mix
in a certain amount of cement to ensure the setts are
firmly set in place, though in others they don't. It's
not hard to see which areas don't use cement as
individual setts tend to move.
There are several
down sides to
Calçadas, which
are also used in private homes for patios and paths
around houses. In the sun the
Calçadas
do tend to give off a bright glare and
where there are big expanses it's best to have your
sunglasses at the ready. When it rains the
Calçadas
can become very slippy and care has to be
taken so you don't slip over.
However
Calçadas in Portugal
are fun and depending upon which city, town or village
you are in, you should take the time to look down at
your feet and see what magnificent street art is beneath
them, as you may be surprised by what you find.
