Evora
Alentejo
Rural Tourism Accommodation near
Estremoz:
Monte
da Fornalha
This illustration of the district of Evora provides only a small sample of the delights that await the
traveller in the Alentejo.
Interactive Map of the Evora District |
Evora A World Heritage City
Prehistoric dolmens and stone circles
dot the plains. The largest dolmen in Europe is nearby at Zambujeiro.
The stone circle of Almendres, just outside Evora. |
The most striking of the Roman
antiquities found here is the so-called "Temple of Diana", in the
centre of the walled town. The "Roman Aqueduct", dating from the time
of Quintus Sertorious, was greatly rebuilt in the 17th century. It is near the church
of São Francisco, which has a gilded altar front and gruesome charnel house.
The Moorish fountain is near one of the main gates. The city was recovered for the
Christians in the Reconquest by Giraldo "sem pavor". A great
percentage of the town, the acknowledged capital of the Alentejo, still lies
within its walls.
Catherine of Braganca, came here 7 years after the death of Charles II of
England, and retired to the Manueline palace of the Counts of Basto. She later
was to take on the regency of Portugal for her brother, King Pedro II, when he
fell ill.
The big annual event is the "Feira de São João", a folklore, handicraft and musical festival which takes over the city during the last ten days of June.
Evora Cathedral - 12th Century |
The Marble Moorish Fountain |
Arraiolos
This town is renowned for its hand-made Carpets. These are produced entirely by
a cottage industry, and groups of women can sometimes be seen working on larger carpets in
their front rooms.
The 14th Century castle still has the complete Porta de Santarém, with its
Gothic arches and Manuelin clocktower.
The Casa dos Arcos, "house of the arches", dates from the 17th and
18th centuries.
Near Arraiolos is the even older Sempre Noiva manor house.
After appreciating the many features of the town, there is yet the Rio Divor
Nature Reserve to visit.
Arrailos Castle |
The old manor of Sempre Noiva |
The Muleteers Fountain |
Casa dos Arcos |
Montemor o Novo, a town to the West of Evora,
once an important place where the King's Council (Cortes) often met. The town
and castle have suffered many a tragedy, the last being under occupation by
Napoleonic troops, who were renowned as vandals.
A few kilometers to the South-East lie the Escoural caves. Here traces of
prehistory can be seen in the engravings and cave-paintings.
Portel
King Afonso III gave permission to João Aboim for the castle to be built in
1261. The circular towers and keep date from the earliest construction period.
In the 15th century it became a pertinence of the Dukes of Bragança, who made
only minor improvements. The castle guards the walled town nestled beneath it,
and the height of the keep ensured a good view of the surrounding countryside.
Portel Castle |
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Last modified: May 20, 2006