The Alentejo
Evora
Rural Tourism Accommodation near
Estremoz: Monte
da Fornalha
Rural Bed & Breakfast between Pavia and Vimieiro www.tembo-alentejo.com
The Alentejo region of Portugal extends from the unspoilt beaches of the West coast over plains, through vinyards and cork oak forests to the rugged hills on the Spanish border. Fascinating towns and villages with a rich cultural heritage are scattered throughout the province. Full of vestiges of the past, the history of the area can be seen in Megalithic sites, Roman remains, Moorish relics, Mediaeval castles and Baroque palaces.
Alto Alentejo is the "High" Alentejo, the northern part, adjoining the
Ribatejo province. Baixo Alentejo is the "Low" Alentejo or the southern part,
adjoining the Algarve.
The beaches of the Alentejo lie in the Costa Azul - the blue coast - the Natural
Park of Cape St. Vincent and the Alentejo.
One of the largest districts is Evora .
Some other towns and views of note:- Estremoz - Monsaraz - Mora
Vidigueira - A wine production centre. Near here, at São Cucufate, are the remains of a Roman granary, which had a 1st century villa constructed on top of it, and the 3rd century villa with temple alongside. One part of the granary was converted into a decorated chapel by the mediaeval monks. | |
A typical Alentejan farm, with sheep and
goats in the foreground.
|
|
Mertola - A town on the Guadiana river. The
castle is constructed on the remains of a roman fortification. Here was the Arab
cisterna
that provided, on excavation, the largest collection of Arabic pottery in the Iberian
peninsula. The Arab mosque, just outside the castle entrance, was converted into a church.
The pillars, arches and mihrab arch are still a feature of its architecture. The Guadiana here is excellent for canoeing. Just to the East of Mertola are the ancient mines of São Domingos |
|
A water mill. | on the Guadiana river. |
Not forgetting:
Alvito, with its 15th century Baron's fortified house.
Cuba, renowned for its Male Voice Choirs.
Troia for its Roman ruins.
Santiago de Cacem, with castle, Roman town with Forum and
Hippodrome.
Vila Nova de Millefontes, on the estuary of the River Mira. One of the
many coastal resorts.
Grandola, where the revolutionary council of 1974 met, and where, on the
old main road can be found the restaurant with the best "Bifanas" in
Portugal. (result of a hospital ward poll)
Nearby - 10 kilometres south - is the tranquil Guest House of No
Campo.
Portalegre, with modern tapestry works in the 18th century Royal Silk
Factory and 13th century castle ruins.
Castelo de Vide, mineral springs of which the oldest is the Fonte de
Ville, 13th century castle and old Jewish quarter with mediaeval synagogue.
Monforte. 5kms away is the Roman "Villa Rustica" at Torre de
Palma, where the mosaic of stallions was discovered. Also at this site is an
early Christian basilica with a unique cruciform immersion baptismal font dating
from the 6th century.
Elvas, with 5kms of 18th century ramparts, mainly designed by the Count
of Lippe, a cathedral founded in the
13th century, castle, the town walls dating from the 10th century, the 15/16th century
Amoreira aqueduct, 1113m long, and 16th century marble pillory in the old town
square!
Campo Maior, 18kms from Elvas, a fortress town set in olive groves and
sunflower fields. Its famous Festival of Flowers is held during the first
weekend in September.
Marvão, a hilltop fortified town and castle founded under the domination
of Chief Marvam and conquered by King Afonso Henriques in 1166. Apart from the
solitary convent, Nossa Senhora da Estrela, on the approach at the foot of the
peak, the whole town is enclosed within the walls as it would have been in
mediaeval times. An excellent locale for Chestnuts in November!
Produce: Cork, wine, sheep, pigs, horses, pottery, carpets, blankets, painted furniture, marble.
Hand made Arraiolos carpet. These are sewn with wool in a running cross-stitch on a canvas ground. Fine antique examples are found in textile museums such as the Victoria and Albert in London, made of silk. |
An Estremoz figurine. These pottery statuettes are a speciality of the town. |
|
|
SAVE
THE CORK OAKS |
|
Send mail to info@valegrifo.com with
questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2000 Vale Grifo
www.valegrifo.com
Last modified: June 28, 2006