Évora District - Alentejo

Évora is one of the main cities of the Alentejo, and one of the most beautiful cities of Portugal. 

In Evora you can find: culture, monuments, architectural styles, history, museums and lots of entertainment.

In Evora you can visit:
- Cathedral, built in between 1186 and 1205;
- Roman Temple, also known as “Diana Temple", built somewhere in between the 1st and the 3rd century a.C;
- São Francisco Church;
- Bones Chapel, covered with human bones;
- Giraldo Square, with a fountain dating from 1571;
- Etc. 

Évora city is the capital of the district. The Évora district comprises several counties - all of them very beautiful, with specific characteristics, monuments, handicrafts, plains, peace of mind, beautiful landscapes, wonderful cuisine and wines. 

The Évora district is then divided in the following counties:

- Alandroal;
- Arraiolos;
- Borba;
- Estremoz;
- Évora;
- Montemor-o-Novo;
- Mora;
- Mourão;
- Portel;
- Redondo;
- Reguengos de Monsaraz; 
- Vendas Novas;
- Viana do Alentejo;
- Vila Viçosa.

 Giraldo Square, Évora - Source: http://www.portugaltours.com.pt/br/blog-viagens/20114/evora.aspx

Vila Viçosa - Source: http://forum.intonses.com.br/viewtopic.php?t=436&p=28548

Alandroal - Source: http://www.adefesa.org/noticia.php?codigo=2156 

Mourão - Source: http://www.igogo.pt/castelo-de-mourao/

Portugal classified as the best destination in the world for 2013

According to P3 Público, Globe Spots prepared a list of the top ten world destinations for 2013 and Portugal was placed first.

The international travel website classified Portugal as "classic trip with great views" and highlights: the medieval cities, squares, churches and monasteries.

You can take a look here: http://www.globespots.com/besttravel.php?year=2013

Source: http://noitesdownloads.blogspot.pt/2012/01/10-fortes-razoes-para-visitar-portugal.html

Mediterranean cuisine

The Mediterranean Cuisine is characteristic of the countries that surrounds the Mediterranean Sea. These countries have in common, the climate, the culture, the grown vegetables, herbs, spices, among many other things.

This type of feed is based on:
- The wheat and their derivatives (bread, pasta, cakes, etc.);
- Vegetables and fruits (citrus, olives, grapes, tomatoes, peppers, cabbage, potatoes, beans, etc.).
- Herbs (spearmint, parsley, coriander, oregano, pennyroyal, etc.);
- Olive oil;
- Sausages;
- Cheese;
- Soups and stews;
- Meat (rabbit, pork, lamb, etc.), fish (cod, sardines, etc.) and shellfish (shrimp, clams, etc.);
- Etc.

 Source: http://www.sulinformacao.pt/2012/10/%E2%80%9Cportugal-no-coracao%E2%80%9D-dedicado-a-candidatura-de-tavira-para-tornar-dieta-mediterrancia-patrimonio-da-humanidade/

 Source: http://almapaixonada.blogspot.pt/2011/02/as-sete-maravilhas-da-gastronomia.html

A typical dish of Alentejo - Gazpacho

A typical dish of Alentejo: Gazpacho.

This delicious dish is a soup traditionally served cold. The soup is made ​​from tomatoes, cucumber, garlic, pepper, olive oil and bread. It is usually accompanied with mackerel, or ham and bacon. And usually it's eaten in summer.

Source: http://mimos-da-nina.blogspot.pt/2012/10/gaspacho-alentejano.html

Source: http://www.portalalentejano.com/turismo-do-alentejo-promove-semana-gastronomica-do-gaspacho-e-da-tomatada/

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