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Alentejo Portugal |
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Alentejo
- where time is standing still...
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About the area
One is first taken by surprise by the remarkable traces of successive cultures, Dolmens and Cromlechs, Roman and Arab vestiges mingling with the most recent sign of Christianity of which the numerous medieval castles are but one example.
The north-western part of` the region, located on the banks of the Tagus and dominated by Santarém, consists of fertile grasslands, where the finest bulls and horses roam peacefully.
To the north-east are the beautiful villages and towns which make-up the so-called Rota dos Castelos (Castle route) : Nisa, Castelo de Vide, Marvão, Portalegre and Alter do Chão.
Further south, the landscape becomes warmer and flatter; around Évora (one of the most beautiful towns in Portugal), are Monsaraz, Vila Viçosa, Estremoz, and Arraiolos (renowned for its hand-made tapestries, based on traditional drawings from the 17th and 18th centuries).
Villas in Montargil | Accommodation in Evora |
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Alentejo - Landscape |
Driving on to the south, the vast plains become less inhabited and sunnier, the only shade being provided by the olive trees and oak trees and the only amenity being provided by refreshing dams. A trip to Alvito, Beja, Serpa and Mértola will be worth your time. The coastline to the south-west offers the visitor magnificent Atlantic beaches. As the region with the highest thermal amplitude (going down to 5ºC or up to 33ºC), Planícies are a dispersely populated region with quite open horizons, where the rhythm of life follows the idle sound of regional songs.
The Alentejo area is commonly known as the "bread basket" of Portugal. A fitting title for this vast open countryside with undulating plains and rich fertile soil. With very few exceptions all the major towns are mainly reliant on agriculture, livestock and wood. Typical products from this area are grain, sunflower, carthame, fruit, vegetables, olives, wines, cork, eucalyptus, lamb, pigs, kid, granite, schist and marble.
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The Lake |
MONTARGIL
Idyllically situated in the heart of the northern Alentejo region, beside the large dam of the same name, Montargil is a small village of just 4,500 inhabitants.
Founded in 1315 by King Dinis during the golden age of medieval Portugal, it has recently become a popular centre for outdoor activities such as water and extreme sports.
Prominently situated on the highest point in town, Montargil parish church has a well-decorated interior featuring a 16th century wooden figure of Saint Peter. The nearby Chapel of Santo António dates back to 1713.
Visitors should look out for the monthly market that takes place on the first Sunday of each month, as well as the town's annual festivities commencing on the third Sunday of July.
Nearby, Montalvo, situated a very short drive from Montargil, is one of the region's most important palaeolithic sites, comprising forty dolmens and the ancient burial ground of Santo André.
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MONTE DO CHAMUSQUINHO
Situated close to Avis, next to the Montargil dams, 20 km from the town of Mora, and 24 km from Ponte de Sôr. The hunting reserve of Sta Margarida is close by.
Cross the Montes Alentejanos to experience closeness to nature and the landlords' friendliness; roam the grassland on foot or bike or in a four-wheel car; enjoy fishing on the riverbanks and on the lakeshores; observe the native fauna, wild boars, partridges; photograph the landscapes; go horseriding, and at the end of a perfect day go home to your Monte for a dip in the pool. Then have supper and a local wine that will let you gently fall asleep by the sound of cicadas and crickets.
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The present Bridge |
PONTE DE SOR
The city's name is derived from the first roman bridge, which was part of the 3rd military road connecting Lisbon to Merida. An area of upheaval in between borders during the reconquest, Ponte de Sor, which initially belonged to the Templars, was taken back by the Order of St. Benedict.
Its first "Foral" (charter by which the monarch established a county or settlement, outlined the administration and set forth its rights, priviledges and limitations) was bestowed upon it by the Diocese of Évora in 1161, and later ratified by D. Manuel. Once the roman bridge was gone, King João VI had the bridge that stands today built in 1822. Ponte de Sor became a city in 1985.
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A fervent city |
PORTALEGRE
A town located close to the border of Spain that has strong religious background and this is evident by the number of churches and monasteries dating from the 13th Century.
What to see : the Cathedral, St.Bernardo Convent, the church of St. Francisco Monastery (13th-18th cent.), and the Regional, Sacred Art, Municipal Library and Casa de José Régio Museums, the ruined castle which is is of medieval origin.
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Alentejo |
EVORA
Romans considered Evora such a noble and beautiful site, that they built a temple to Diana there. The Arabs coveted and conquered Evora in 1165, and medieval buildings still testify to its glory. It's cultural wealth offers to every admirer the aqueduct " Aqueduto da Agua de Prata", a church and a convent " Nossa Senhora da Graça " and many other delights.
Unique in the whole of the Iberic peninsula, Evora is an historical must, and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
Evora welcomes those curious about its history from all over the world , strollers who can roam the historical streets, and anyone who enjoys a very different break, offered with all the Meditteranean warmth of the region.
Evora is situated in Central South Portugal, it can be reached by road or rail. Lisbon is in 149 kilometres away- a journey through a country which soaks up time, and where each moment is captured, just to enjoy the simple feeling of being alive
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