DMC in ALENTEJO
Unknown Alentejo traditional region for original incentives
The plains that extend as far as the ey can see start close to the Tagus. While to the north, the pace is set by the green of the flatlands, further south the landscape combines with the sun, the heat and a slower pace of life. This is Alentejo.
To the north, the pastures of the marshlands; in the vast interior, unending flatness, and fields of wheat waving in the wind; at the coast, wild, beautiful beaches waiting to be discovered.
The vastness of the landscape is dotted with cork oaks and olive trees that withstand time. Santarém is a natural viewpoint over the immensity of the Tagus. Here and there, you find a walled town, such as Marvão or Monsaraz, or an ancient dolmen to recall the magic of the place. Around the hills, low, whitewashed houses stand on small knolls, castles evoke battles and conquests and the yards and gardens are witness to the Arab influences which shaped the people and nature
In the Alentejo the power of the land marks the time and cities like Elvas and Évora, listed as World Heritage by UNESCO, show the tenacity of the people. Perhaps this is the reason that culture and spirituality take on a singular character here. These memories of the past are also shared by other cities, such as Santarém, Portalegre and Beja, and in the former Jewish quarters, particularly in Castelo de Vide.
Santarem
Standing on the top of a plateau, Santarem is a belvedere over the fertile wetland region, the River Tagus valley known for farming, cattle breeding and bullfighting.
In this area of meadows, where wild cattle graze, boiled meats are a specialty, like sopa de pedra (nail soup, a meat and vegetable broth) or migas ribatejanas, a delicious mix of vegetables and bread. Sweets won’t disappoint you either, made with lots of eggs and sugar.
Obviously, all these delicacies have the right wine to go with. Almeirim, Cartaxo, Santarém, Chamusca and Coruche are the main producers, part of the Ribatejo Wine Route.
Evora
Evora is a book of portuguese art and history
The best way to see the city is on foot, walking through its narrow streets lined with white houses, discovering along the way the monuments and details that reveal the history of Évora and its rich heritage.
Judging by the calm, welcoming surroundings, one easily sees why this city, which dates from the Roman era, was chosen by the kings of Portugal in the 15th century to serve as their residence, a fact that contributed to its development and cultural importance in the following centuries. It was in fact due to Évora´s long history and its urban centre, typical of the 16th to 18th centuries, that has been preserved to our days that lead UNESCO to classify the city as a World Heritage site.
Portalegre
Portalegre was a stronghold strategically located next to the border with Spain, only 74 kilometres from Badajoz. The city burgeoned after the Renaissance period. Evidence of that are the many buildings in Baroque style in the historical centre, making Portalegre a charming place to take a walk.
Within the walls, there are plenty decaying Baroque manors, remnant of the silk manufacturing industry that flourished in the area. The whole industry sank in 1703, when the Methuen Treaty introduced English products into the market. However, nowadays, Portalegre is still loyal to its heritage of fine fabrics, even preserving the a factory producing exquisite tapestries by famous artists and an extraordinary museum of tapestries.
Monsaraz
Monsaraz, the graceful medieval village of Monsaraz, maintains the magic from ancient times like few others in the world. Made of lime and schist, this place whispers us, between the echo of our footsteps in its streets. A lot of magnificent stories could be told about its courageous kings, Knights Templar, brave people and dames of simple beauty.
Suspended in time, the historic village is one of the oldest in Portugal.
To the north, the pastures of the marshlands; in the vast interior, unending flatness, and fields of wheat waving in the wind; at the coast, wild, beautiful beaches waiting to be discovered.
The vastness of the landscape is dotted with cork oaks and olive trees that withstand time. Santarém is a natural viewpoint over the immensity of the Tagus. Here and there, you find a walled town, such as Marvão or Monsaraz, or an ancient dolmen to recall the magic of the place. Around the hills, low, whitewashed houses stand on small knolls, castles evoke battles and conquests and the yards and gardens are witness to the Arab influences which shaped the people and nature
In the Alentejo the power of the land marks the time and cities like Elvas and Évora, listed as World Heritage by UNESCO, show the tenacity of the people. Perhaps this is the reason that culture and spirituality take on a singular character here. These memories of the past are also shared by other cities, such as Santarém, Portalegre and Beja, and in the former Jewish quarters, particularly in Castelo de Vide.
Santarem
Standing on the top of a plateau, Santarem is a belvedere over the fertile wetland region, the River Tagus valley known for farming, cattle breeding and bullfighting.
In this area of meadows, where wild cattle graze, boiled meats are a specialty, like sopa de pedra (nail soup, a meat and vegetable broth) or migas ribatejanas, a delicious mix of vegetables and bread. Sweets won’t disappoint you either, made with lots of eggs and sugar.
Obviously, all these delicacies have the right wine to go with. Almeirim, Cartaxo, Santarém, Chamusca and Coruche are the main producers, part of the Ribatejo Wine Route.
Evora
Evora is a book of portuguese art and history
The best way to see the city is on foot, walking through its narrow streets lined with white houses, discovering along the way the monuments and details that reveal the history of Évora and its rich heritage.
Judging by the calm, welcoming surroundings, one easily sees why this city, which dates from the Roman era, was chosen by the kings of Portugal in the 15th century to serve as their residence, a fact that contributed to its development and cultural importance in the following centuries. It was in fact due to Évora´s long history and its urban centre, typical of the 16th to 18th centuries, that has been preserved to our days that lead UNESCO to classify the city as a World Heritage site.
Portalegre
Portalegre was a stronghold strategically located next to the border with Spain, only 74 kilometres from Badajoz. The city burgeoned after the Renaissance period. Evidence of that are the many buildings in Baroque style in the historical centre, making Portalegre a charming place to take a walk.
Within the walls, there are plenty decaying Baroque manors, remnant of the silk manufacturing industry that flourished in the area. The whole industry sank in 1703, when the Methuen Treaty introduced English products into the market. However, nowadays, Portalegre is still loyal to its heritage of fine fabrics, even preserving the a factory producing exquisite tapestries by famous artists and an extraordinary museum of tapestries.
Monsaraz
Monsaraz, the graceful medieval village of Monsaraz, maintains the magic from ancient times like few others in the world. Made of lime and schist, this place whispers us, between the echo of our footsteps in its streets. A lot of magnificent stories could be told about its courageous kings, Knights Templar, brave people and dames of simple beauty.
Suspended in time, the historic village is one of the oldest in Portugal.
