Alentejo - Handicraft

The Alentejo is a region very rich in handicrafts:

The crafts can be made based on various types of materials:
- Clay;
- Ceramics;
- Wrought iron;
- Cork; 
- Wood; 
- Tapestry;
- Embroidery;
- Etc.

Embroidery - Source: http://loja.artesanatoportugal.com/loja/specials.php?currency=USD&page=5&osCsid=2bb00ce18b676668b037be8c05fadf42 

 

Piece made of cork - Source: http://dotempodaoutrasenhora.blogspot.pt/2010/12/dicionario-ilustrado-de-arte-popular.html

 

 Pieces made of cork - Source: http://noticiasdecastelodevide.blogspot.pt/2009/08/artesao-de-portalegre-homenageado-na.html

 

Clay - Source: http://www.a-roda-do-barro.blogspot.pt/

 Ceramics - Source: http://www.photaki.com/picture-ceramica-alentejo_15964.htm

Ceramics - Source: http://olhares67.wordpress.com/2009/06/13/ceramica/

Tapestry of Arraiolos - Source: http://antreus.blogspot.pt/2010/10/tapetes-de-arraiolos.html

Alqueva Lake - Alentejo

Alqueva is the largest artificial lake in Europe, with 250 km2 surface.

Although it was designed to irrigation of farms and to produce hydroelectric power. Currently it's becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations.

Tourists can enjoy the tranquility of the region, water sports, boating, among many other things.

Source: http://alqueva.olx.pt/herdade-155-ha-alqueva-portel-iid-160962032 

This is Alentejo!!

The beauty of things lies in its simplicity:

 Source: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=386163101471375&set=a.172788372808850.45464.109995315754823&type=1&relevant_count=1

Typical Dish from Alentejo

Another typical dish from Alentejo: Migas com entrecosto

The main ingredients are: bread, and pork meat.

Source: http://deliciasdatekinha.blogspot.pt/2009/12/migas-alentejana.html

Alentejo - Monuments

Here are some of the monuments to visit in Alentejo:

- Palace of Vila Viçosa;

- Roman temple (Temple of Diana), in Évora;

- Chapel of Bones;

- Castle of Juromennha;

- Castle of Monsaraz;

- Castle of Terena;

- Castle of Alandroal;

- Ruins of the Endovelicus Temple;

- Cathedral of Évora;

- Church of Vera Cruz de Marmelar;

- Castle of Vila Viçosa;

- Escoural Cavern;

- Castle of Montemor-o-novo;

- Castle of Évora;

- Cromlech of the Almendres;

- Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora de Aires;

- Castle of Estremoz;

- Roman Villa of Tourega;

- Castle of Mourão;

- Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Boa Nova, in Terena;

- Castle of Évoramonte;

- Castle of Portel;

- Orada Convent;

- Menhir of Outeiro;

- Church of S. Francisco, in Évora;

- Chapel - Rainha Santa Isabel;

- Convent of Congregados

Palace of Vila Viçosa - Source: http://bairrense.no.sapo.pt/vilavicosa.htm

Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Boa Nova, in Terena - Source: http://www.zerozero.pt/entidade.php?id=483

Cathedral of Évora - Source: http://www.viajarpelomundo.com.br

Alentejo - Tourism

The Alentejo is a destination increasingly sought by tourists. According to data from Alentejo Tourism, the region grew by 5.9% in the number of overnight stays in 2011.

According to data from the National Statistics Institute, in 2010, the number of overnight stays was 1.173 million. And in 2011 the number increased to 1.241 million overnight stays. 

Also according to the National Statistics Institute, the Alentejo was the "only national region" with a "positive" performance.

Already in 2012, according to data from Regional Agency for Tourism Promotion of the Alentejo, and comparing with 2010, there was a 25% increase in overnight stays of foreign tourists.

 

                      Source: http://europa.eu/abc/maps/regions/portugal/alentejo_en.htm

Typical Dish of Alentejo

As we are almost at lunchtime, here is a typical dish of the Alentejo: Açorda

The main ingredients are: bread, olive oil, coriander, pennyroyal, codfish and eggs.

    Source: http://ponto-de-perola.blogspot.pt/2008/08/aorda-escaldada-de-coentros-e-ovos.html