Whitewashed marble towns and medieval villages
Alentejo is Portugal's most memorable province to visit. It is also its
largest, occupying almost one third of the country,
but with the lowest percentage of population of any Portuguese region.
For the most part it is a peaceful region consisting of vast wheat
fields, rolling plains, castles, and whitewashed
villages, all seen on the way to Evora,
an ancient World Heritage city that should not be missed by any traveler to
Portugal.
In between is a rich legacy of early civilization, with a series of
megaliths, stone circles, and dolmens.
To the northeast are the "marble towns" of Estremoz
and Vila
Viçosa, where local marble is used in the construction of fabulous
façades, and close to the border are many heavily fortified towns and
villages, such as Monsaraz,
Marvão,
and Elvas.
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Top 5 Alentejo EXPERIENCES
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1. Wandering around the World Heritage City of Evora.
2. Feeling like royalty at a pousada in Estremoz,
Crato,
or Arraiolos.
3. Losing sense of time in the white medieval villages of Monsaraz or
Marvão.
4. Admiring marble extravagance in Vila
Viçosa and Estremoz.
5. Traveling back to prehistory among stone circles, dolmens, and
menhirs around Evora.
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Places to Visit in
Alentejo
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Evora -
A museum-town; a Roman temple; prehistoric sites
Vila
Viçosa - Marble extravagance; a royal retreat
Estremoz
- A legendary miracle; a luxury pousada
Monsaraz
- A white town; a magical medieval atmosphere
Marvão
- White walled town reaching the sky
Castelo
de Vide - A Jewish enclave; medieval charm
Elvas -
Impressive military fortifications; a monumental aqueduct
Beja - A
famous 17th century love affair; a lavish old convent
Mértola
- Islam meets Christianity
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