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Portugal - paths to roam |
ALENTEJO
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).
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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This is Alentejo, and yet not quite. This Alentejo features something of the Beira region, and something of Ribatejo. It is less flat, greener, less expansive, more changing. In this intermediary countryside, there is also the ever so slightly rolling greenland of the alentejan peneplain that strongly contrasts with solid mounts like those of the Sao Mamede range. This is Alentejo - but an Alentejo infected by the green freshness of the North, an Alentejo less rough and also less populated and less known. This is Alentejo - offering its best. Its ability to dazzle, the catching simplicity of its inhabitants, customs, landscapes and populated areas. "(After José Manuel Fernandes)
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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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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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The past of the Alentejo |
EVORA
The capital of the Alta Alentejo, Museum town of Roman origins, with historic center classified in UNESCO's International Heritage list. It was taken from the Moors in 1166 by an outlaw knight, Gerald the Fearless, who scaled the walls at night on a ladder of lances.
These city is rich in history, ruins and historic buildings. It's story reflects the turbulent background of invasion, battles and occupation, either by Romans, Moors, or feuding royal houses within Portugal. Évora became a popular residence of Portuguese kings.
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