Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Evora, the romantic City of the Alentejo, Portugal.



Evora is the capital of the south central Alentejo region.


Go to the hilltop 
Everything is close by. 






The Cathedral, a fortress-like structure, was founded in the early 12th Century.  
  



 The Pousada Convento de Evora, was our first night stopover. 
Located east of Lisbon, it is an easy 2 hour drive.  







The Roman Temple, almost touching the convent, was built in the 1st Century A.D.

On the right, Evora's Roman Temple as it appeared in a 1865 sketch.





Our breakfast table and looking towards the alcove which was set for a delicious and abundant breakfast every morning. 





Every Pousada of Portugal proudly displays artifacts from the past.  







So much of the old and historic has been honored while guests enjoy every comfort. 
Every single space has been renovated to a standard of the highest luxury. 





Courtyard of the Convent Evora





For someone, like me, who drools over every piece of hand painted ceramic, Evora is the place to be.





Cobbled streets, chestnuts roasting, picturesque squares, artisan shops medieval streets, chapels, convents, churches, palaces, cafes, restaurants and bars are all part of this beautiful city.





To see Portugal by car is the best way to get acquainted with its friendly people and beautiful and unspoiled countryside.  

Wishing you a great week. 

It's snowing here and it's the middle of May.  

Gina 



10 comments:

  1. Gina, these fabulous pictures really do reveal an extraordinary place to visit. Thank you for letting us have this chance to be tempted. xo

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    1. Hello dear Frances. Hope your health is improving. How nice of you to come by for a visit.

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  2. Bonjour chère amie,

    La richesse de vos photos sont un bonheur pour les yeux... Merci pour ce magnifique partage.

    Gros bisous 🌸

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    1. Bonjour Martinealison, You always leave such lovely compliments and I want you to know that I appreciate every single one of your visits.

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  3. Oh my! What eye candy in all of your photos! You are in one of the most beautiful areas of the world- influences from France, Spain and Italy-what more could you want?

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    1. Dear Theresa, You are right. Portugal is a beautiful country with treasures hidden in every corner. In addition to France, Spain and Italy, having contributed, there is also the long period of North African (Moors) occupation.

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  4. Dear Gina,
    How nice to see more of your wonderful pictures from Portugal. It is a pleasure to read about places in the world
    so full of treasures and yet surrounded by unspoiled nature. I wonder if the hand painted tiles inspired you to
    create some new designs for your ceramics.
    Warm greetings, Sieglinde

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  5. Dear Sieglinde, You may have noticed that I choose to go to places where I am inspired by an art form I know so well. Painting ceramics in the Maiolica style has not changed in more than 600 years. Yes, I use an electric kiln (rather than wood burning) but the materials and methods have not changed.
    Always, I can hardly wait to get home and try out new designs and ideas.

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  6. Your photography always captures such vivid colour and thus nearly places one in the scenes you share...great post~

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    1. Dear Mary, We loved Evora. I'm ready to go back and make new discoveries. There is so much to see in this beautiful part of Portugal and visiting there in early Spring was especially nice.

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