Saturday, July 24, 2021

The Courtyards

The Byward Market is known for its restaurants, and a number of them adjoin a series of courtyards that run through a portion of the neighbourhood. If you know the area these are easy to find, but if you're a first time visitor, these might be a challenge to locate, generally found through narrow passages and laneways. This is the first one.


The architecture here dates mostly to the 19th century, but where there is more recent architecture, it is done in a way that tends to blend in with the older buildings.


A passageway led back out to the next courtyard.


And beyond that, a laneway took me into this next one.


This courtyard is a blend of older and newer architecture that work quite well together.


At its heart is this large sculpture by Pauta Saila, an Inuit hunter and artist. It is appropriately titled Dancing Bear.


Art is also found in the next courtyard. Our Shepherds is the title of the blue sculpture on the ground, with two shepherds standing on two sheep facing each other. Hanging on the wall is the preserved facade of a house that gives this particular courtyard its name.



The last of the courtyards lies here. A glimpse of Notre Dame Basilica can be seen beyond it.

An angel, appropriately, faces the Basilica at this entrance to the courtyards.

44 comments:

  1. Nice. The first 6 photos make me think of France.

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  2. The courtyard area appears to be an interesting place to wander.

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  3. It all has a very "old world" feel to it and reminds me of any number of British or European cities. That Dancing Bear makes me smile.

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  4. Beautiful finds! Here I only so far found one of such hidden gems.
    Love the dancing bear, too.

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  5. Hello,
    The courtyard and outdoor seating looks wonderful. I like the sculptures.
    Take care, have a great weekend!

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  6. @Jan: thank you.

    @Rosemary: it is.

    @John: it has that effect.

    @Iris: the dancing bear is neat.

    @Italiafinlandia: I think so.

    @Marianne: thank you.

    @Eileen: thanks!

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  7. ...a wonderful blend of old and new, the sculptures are a lovely treat to see.

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  8. A great look at this area, thanks.

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  9. I have had lunch in this area a couple of times - and very pleasant it was too.

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  10. This is a great part of Ottawa!
    The courtyards are similar to the ones in Perth, established in 1816! We haven't the amazing statues!

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  11. Sehr schön die Innenhöfe und die verschiedenen Skulpturen.

    Gruß
    Noke

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  12. @Tom: it's quite an area.

    @Stefan: you're welcome.

    @David: these restaurants have character.

    @Jennifer: not a surprise.

    @Noke: thank you.

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  13. Byward Courtyard looks like a place I'd like to visit. A good courtyard is hard to find these days in my world. I love these!

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  14. That looks like a place well worth search out. It looks very inviting. I love dancing bear.

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  15. Would love to get lost in that maze!

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  16. I love the courtyards.I don't think I knew they existed. Thanks for showing them, William.

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  17. This looks like a great development in Ottawa. It's a people place.

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  18. It is nice to dine in open air restaurants especially where the weather is nice and cool. That is a cute dancing bear sculpture.

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  19. Beautiful views, William. The Dancing Bear sculpture is beautiful.

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  20. Me recuerda por su ubicación a algún restaurante que conozco,en el cascao antiguo de Córdoba.

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  21. I like the courtyards and the dancing bear:)

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  22. @Jeanie: me too.

    @Sharon: the bear has a touch of whimsy.

    @Magiceye: I know it quite well.

    @Anvilcloud: thank you.

    @RedPat: it's been some years since I last featured it.

    @Red: that it is.

    @Barbara: I do too.

    @Nancy: I agree.

    @Bill: thank you.

    @Ventana: thanks.

    @Rosie: thanks.

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  23. I betcha the Dancing Bear is a big hit.

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  24. I can see why it's called the dancing bear too

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  25. The dancing bear is fabulous. You captured the atmosphere perfectly, such a lot to see in your very unique city.

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  26. This is simply fabulous. There must be a preserved history of the neighborhood?

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  27. William - I adore outside dining, and this courtyard looks like the ideal place to do it. And the dancing bear is adorable!

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  28. i've only seen bears dance on the movies. cute dining area. what a fun place. quaint. ( ;

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  29. Enjoyed seeing the courtyards and the sculptures very much William. the dancing bear is fun and the angel beautiful 💙

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