Old Bridge of Terena - A monument of public interest

The Old Bridge of Terena (county of Alandroal; District of Évora) was classified as a monument of public interest.

The Old Bridge Terena was built in the mid-sixteenth century, and today is one of the historic bridges of the Alentejo.

It comprises six round arches with ashlar granite voussoirs.

Alentejo - A food lover's paradise

if you are planning to visit Alentejo... read this article and learn more about the cuisine of this region:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sponsored/travel/portugal-travel/9787742/alentejo-eating-out.html

Source - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sponsored/travel/portugal-travel/9787742/alentejo-eating-out.html

Ring-shaped cake - For Christmas

As we are at Christmas here are two Christmas suggestions:

Bolo Rei

Ring-shaped cake made of candied fruits, mainly eaten at Christmas

 

Source: http://obaudahistoria.blogspot.pt/2012/01/tradicao-do-bolo-rei.html

Bolo Rainha

Ring-shaped cake made of dried fruit (walnuts, pine nuts), mainly eaten at Christmas

Source: http://www.docesregionais.com/bolo-rainha/

Christmas Treats from Alentejo

Source: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151358295073923&set=a.10151358294738923.530563.247568788922&type=1&relevant_count=11&ref=nf

Source: http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=10151358294833923&set=a.10151358294738923.530563.247568788922&type=1&theater

Source: http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=10151358295043923&set=a.10151358294738923.530563.247568788922&type=1&theater

Source: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151358295073923&set=a.10151358294738923.530563.247568788922&type=1&relevant_count=11&ref=nf#!/photo.php?fbid=10151358294943923&set=a.10151358294738923.530563.247568788922&type=1&permPage=1

The Alentejo in the Financial Times UK

Read the article... Click in the following link: 

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/7485e294-f812-11e1-828f-00144feabdc0.html#axzz26jovAMvl

Good Weekend Alentejo!!

Source: http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-3617699/stock-photo-alentejo-landscape.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 

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

Alentejo - Economy

The Alentejo is known as the 'granary of Portugal'. Most cities live predominantly based on:

- Agriculture;

- Livestock;

- Wood.  

Although the tourism sector has been gaining increasing expression as well as all services associated therewitht.

Other important activities in the region are:  
- Production of regional products (typical cheeses, wines, smoked hams, sausages, etc.);
- Marble;
- Cork;
- Olive oil.

The Alentejo is characterized by its vast plains, with productive soils and a very specific eco-system, which are suitable for the cultivation of: citrus, grapes, olive, apples, wheat, cereals, watermelon, melon, herbs (parsley, coriander, mint, oregano, etc.), onions, lettuce, corn, potato, sunflower, tomato, beans, broad beans, peas, carrots, cabbage, etc.

                                  Source: http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/p/m/1e4121/

                                     Source: http://www.dreamstime.com

Alentejo - Origin of the Name

Alentejo is a south-central region of Portugal. The origin of its name, "Além-Tejo", is literally translated to "Beyond the Tagus" or "Across the Tagus".


Its main cities are Évora, Elvas, Portalegre, Beja, Serpa and Sines.

                       Source: http://www.portugal-india.com/en/content/alentejo-wines-0

Wine Production in the Alentejo

Currently, the Alentejo is well known for its high quality wines. The region is dotted with vast areas of ​​vineyards - about 22.000 hectares, and 4.000 owners.

  

However, not always wine production has had as much importance as currently. Formerly, due to the characteristics of climate and soil of Alentejo, the productions were mainly based on cereals, olive, oak, corn and cattle. The wine was only intended for local consumption and its production was done in a traditional way.

It was only in the 80s that the winery sector has gained prominence: the sector was revitalized, production facilities were improved and associations have been established.

 

Currently there are eight sub-regions well known for its cherished wines: Evora, Borba, Granja/Amareleja, Moura, Portalegre, Reguengos, Redondo e Vidigueira.

Source: http://www.pai.pt/ms/ms/casa-de-sarmento-sa-3050-382-mealhada/ms-90058428/

  Source: http://cortesdecima.com/pt/vineyard/sex-in-the-vineyard/

Alentejo - The beauty of simplicity

ALENTEJO - amazing region in all its diversity and beauty:

- 27.224 km of unforgettable beauty; 

- 3.000 hours of sunshine per year; 

- Around 50 beaches; 

- The biggest artificial lake in Europe - 'Alqueva'; 

- Unspoilt traditional architecture; 

- Protected religious monuments; 

- 551.000ha of protected areas; 

- Évora World Heritage Site; 

- Large demarcated wine region;

- Etc.

Source: www.visitalentejo.com