Some things are not as old as you might think

I presumed because of its location in Jardim Pescador Olhanense and also its appearance that the Coreto de Olhão (Olhão’s bandstand) was quite old. It was therefore with some surprise when preparing this post I discovered this glorious structure only dates back to the 1980s. However on further investigation I learnt there had been an older version. The original coreto was located in Jardim João Serra, the small garden on Avenida da República, next to the railway station. But even that one wasn’t very old. It was built in 1942, some 39 years after the garden was first opened and 150 years after the one in Tavira! Original Bandstand

Sandra Romba’s research on the Urban Evolution of Olhão indicates that for a while the bandstand was a very popular location for musical concerts. By the 1960s however Olhão’s bandstand was out of fashion and it was destroyed in order to make way for the new Justice building. Olhão was then without a bandstand for 20 odd years. In 1986 the council decided it was time to have one again, but this time it would be located in the Jardim Pescador Olhanense.1986 Coreto de Olhao

They decided the new bandstand would replicate the original and they even went as far as to include the water feature which would have also once surrounded the original. Unfortunately these days the water mirror has long since gone, and so there are no reflections to enjoy. In fact in 2014/15 we were beginning to wonder how much longer the bandstand itself would last as it was looking rather tired and unloved. Last year though, perhaps to celebrate its 30th anniversary or was the timing just a coincidence, it underwent a much needed restoration programme.

And now the Coreto de Olhão is once more looking rather splendid, albeit it is more of a folly than a musical venue. We have yet to see any concerts performed here, nor are you able to stand on the bandstand as there are no permanent steps and the railings go all the way round! Bit of a shame I think.

Whilst I may not be able to enjoy the view from the bandstand I have enjoyed researching its past. Not only did I discover quite about the public gardens of Olhão but I stumbled across Meloteca, a website for music and the arts. What a find. The reason it caught my eye was its collection of postcards of bandstands of Europe. It is thanks to this site I have been able to share the two images of the bandstand’s past and consequently create this month’s entry for ‘Past meets Present’. To learn more about this blogging challenge, including how you can also participate, click here.

Author: BeckyB

It had been a good life walking, cooking, photographing, volunteering, blogging, and best of all spending time with MrB, family, & friends. Sadly it is no longer what it was, as suddenly and unexpectedly I became a widow.

13 thoughts

  1. Luckily, council vandalism does not include the removal of the bandstand in the new gardens design (see link below).

    Pleased it remains a focal point although it would be nice it the bandstand was used once in a while.

    1. Don’t understand why the gardens have to change – they’d be far better spending their money on clearing all the plastic and other rubbish in the Ria Formosa.

      As you say though thank goodness they are keeping it, and that they restored it. Odd how it is never used.

  3. I don’t even know where Alvito is but it looks splendid! Have to Google it. And I don’t remember the one in Evora. It’s glorious. 🙂 Thanks for sharing!

  4. It’s the perfect challenge for you, Becky! You love winkling out these facts, and I know it’s not easy to do. You would have thought they’d include some steps, but then, the one in Tavira doesn’t. I think the one in Loule does? I’d like some photos playing with ‘the band’. 🙂 Off to check out postcards and challenges. 🙂 Have a happy Wednesday! Grey and grim here 🙂 🙂

    1. Hee hee…. keeps me out of mischief all this fact winkling!
      Did you know they could land the Tavira bandstand at Tavira….they had to bring it ashore in Olhão and then horse and cart it to Tavira.
      Can’t wait to see what you find….perfect challenge for a grey and grim day xx

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