Vila Viçosa
The place was the for several centuries the main base of the Dukes of Braganza. They had cnsiderable wealth and greatly promoted the economic, urban and artistic development of the city.
The House of Braganza moved to Lisbon in 1640 when duke John became king under the name D.João IV.
The
most important building is the Ducal palace, from the 16th and 17th century, but there are other important monuments and among them the church da Conceição where you will find the statue of Nossa Senhora da Conceição which king D.João IV crowned in 1646 by declaring it Queen of Portugal.
 |
Ducal Palace - Vila Viçosa |
Elvas
A fortified city situated 12 km from the Spanish border of Badajoz. It is a very ancient city which because of its strategic position was the base for battles, political assemblies, and the signature of treaties. The defensive system is magnificent and during the war, the military exercise square sheltered more than 7 000 men. Elvas has also the second most important aqueduct of the country (after Lisbon), 6 km long and culminating for some distance at 40 m with 4 tiers of superimposed arches. The area produces and exports plums and brandy.
Reguengos de Monsaraz
A former fortified city, Monsaraz was an important city which became the new city of Reguengos de Monsaraz. it is a big wine-producing centre. The region still retains a great quantity of megalithic remains; S.Pedro do Corval 6 kms away is a big ceramic and pottery centre.
Arraiolos
A very ancient city where there is a castle and a small palace which is a great example of rural architecture from the end of the 15th century to the beginning of the 16th century (Not quite in the city but quite close). Arraiolos is a city renowned for its handwoven carpets, maybe of Arabic origin. Their manufacture dates back to the 17th century, they are made with a kind of cross stitch.
Évoramonte
The city was conquered from the Arabs in 1160. At its highest point stands Évoramonte Castle, built in the 14th century on the ruins of a Moorish predecessor and rebuilt after an earthquake in 1531. The building is encircled by ropes which form knots in the centre of the facade. The recently
restored, yellow painted fort can be visited. A plaque on the wall of a house on the left side of the main street, past the walls, commemorates the fact that the Treaty of Évoramonte concluding the "Miguelist" wars was signed here on May 26, 1834.
 |
 |
Évoramonte |
Castelo |
Beja is a
city further to the South, this is another day trip from Ericeira.
The most prominent historical structure is the Roman Castle. Standing over Roman Fortifications, the castle was built in 1310 and remodeled in the 16th century. The imposing Torre de Menagem, with its battlements and 40 m high tower have become the symbol of the city. A tour of the majestic castle is not complete without traipsing up the swirling spiral staircase to survey the unequaled view of the ancient city from the uppermost floor of the tower.
The Arabic presence was known for a long time and its most important monuments are:
The Convent da Conceição was the richest in all Alentejo, built in the 15th century. It owes its international fame to nun Mariana Alcoforado who lived there and wrote the famous lyric love letters to the count of Chamilly, a young officer of the French navy who campaigned against the Spaniards in the 17th century. There are five letters of love, passion, despair... (Letters of a Portuguese Nun, published in 1669 in France).
 |
 |
Beja - Castelo |
Beja - Convento |
