Peace in Alto Alentejo.
The Alentejo cannot be understood without the Tagus, which gives its name to this region located in the center-south of Portugal, which encompasses 47 municipalities spread over the Lower Alentejo, Upper Alentejo, Central Alentejo Y Alentejo Coast.
The hills full of cork oaks, vineyards and olive trees They are characteristic of a landscape that is more Mediterranean than oceanic, but with its own character that hooks those who know it. Only here will you find living cities like Evora either Elvas , declared World Heritage by UNESCO.
We travel to this region recognized for its artisan tradition , from pottery, upholstery, goldsmithing, through the recognized work in footwear, tiles, corks and textiles. It is very easy to take this piece of Portugal home with you, in fact you will want to when you set foot inside.
Arraiolos.
ARRAIOLOS
was built first the medieval castle of the XIII-XIV centuries and little by little a town developed on the margin of its walls that continues to attract numerous visitors who seek to find the essence of Portugal in its streets.
Until here you will arrive attracted by its textile fame. The Arraiolos rugs or rugs They have been the livelihood of many families in the Alentejo for centuries. Their drawings have been divided into three historical stages according to experts: the first, from the 18th century, has Persian influences ; the second, also from the same century, but with popular inspiration with figures and animals , and the third from the end of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th, with more ornate compositions.
It's easy to fall in love with your houses with terracotta roofs Y whitewashed walls with blue details where you can still learn how their famous rugs are woven.
Marvão
WOW
In the Serra de São Mamede Natural Park , a few kilometers from Spain, is the town of Marvão, formerly a strategic geographical point marked by its rugged slopes. It never went unnoticed by the conquerors, hence its castle and walls, still standing.
Inside it keeps a coquettish and typical village of the Alentejo with gothic arches, manueline windows and wrought iron balconies. As it is best known, it is in two of its viewpoints, they recommend the tall keep Y the Inn of Santa Maria .Also in the Cidade de Ammaia Roman museum, where you can learn about its great historical legacy.
If you are going to visit it you can choose the month of november because it celebrates Castanheiro Festival.
Monsaraz.
MONSARAZ
Monsaraz is a journey back in time to the old Alentejo , rich in heritage, gastronomy and crafts. This medieval town, which will give you a lot of peace and tranquility due to its natural beauty, is also today one of the best preserved in this Portuguese region.
It is curious that in its surroundings it has numerous neolithic megaliths , one of the most significant is the Cromeleque Xarez da Baixo , a set of megaliths that rise around a seven ton menhir.
In addition, Monsaraz is an 'open museum' marked by the lime and slate that can still be seen in its streets where many Alentejo artisans work them.
Castle of Vine.
VIDEO CASTLE
Every town has its charm and its history. bird's eye view Castle of Vide It would already give us reasons to visit it; a set of alleys and perched houses that surround a medieval castle or Castelo welcome the visitor. But there is more...
About 20 km from Marvão, this small town in Alentejo is popular for its Jewry , one of the best preserved remains in the country. Here you can visit the synagogue , memory of the Jewish communities that inhabited these lands in the fifteenth century.
In addition to its many well-preserved chapels, Castle of Vide is famous for its waters with therapeutic properties , hence many tourists come for its spas. They say that whoever drinks from its fountains (the Villa Fountain and the Mealhada Fountain are two of the best known) come back to get married.
Sao Pedro do Corval.
SAO PEDRO DO CORVAL
The pottery has guided the history of this town near Monsaraz, where the tradition has been preserved from one generation to another. Currently there are about 20 'olarias' (pottery workshops) that work with clay and ceramics. To get to know it is as easy as walking through its streets seeing the workshops and shops, we place on the map the Spring Street.
In its restaurants you can see why Alentejo cuisine tastes much better served in one of the ceramic pieces created in São Pedro do Corval. Of course, do not forget to accompany it with one of the wines of the region.
In addition, this town has more historical and natural legacy. São Pedro do Corval has the Rocha dos Namorados either lovers rock , a mushroom-shaped megalith that has always been associated with fertility.