Once we crossed into Portugal we spent a day exploring Elvas which occupies an imposing position just across the border from Badajoz.
Apparently it is one of the most complex and best preserved military complexes in europe. As well as the town which has fortifications dating from 13th century there are two star shaped forts outside the town itself.
We have now created a pemanent page for Elvas, click here. Elvas
Apparently it is one of the most complex and best preserved military complexes in europe. As well as the town which has fortifications dating from 13th century there are two star shaped forts outside the town itself.
We have now created a pemanent page for Elvas, click here. Elvas
We spent an enjoyable day in Elvas which has plenty of churches (only open in the afternoons), castle and some spectular city walls complete with bulwarks.and of course the 7 km aquaduct.
It's funny how trips develop, we had never thought about the fortified border towns in Portugal but the next day we visited two more, and there are plenty more to see. It means that at some point one of us is going to have to read a bit more history not only the Penninsular War but something called the War of the Oranges which was fought around here.
The following day our first stop was Vila Vicosa which was once home to the dukes of Braganza, it was the 8th duke Joao who became the first King of Portugal. The castle is now a museum and the town still has the old palace of the Braganzas and escorted tours of the latter are available. Instead we went around the castle museum which had a moderately interesting collection of archeological items and then a rather unpleasant upper floor full of stuffed birds and animal heads.
This town is in marble country and this means even some kerb stones are marble and even the smallest cottages have marble door steps and window sills.
This town is in marble country and this means even some kerb stones are marble and even the smallest cottages have marble door steps and window sills.
After lunching on a traditional Alentejo dish of migas (maize breadcrumbs veg and bits of meat to form a sort of savoury bread pudding) and grilled pork we headed for Monsaraz which is a really pretty fortified village at the top of a hill. The entire village is within the walls and unusually for Portugal the buildings were all painted white, no touches of the traditional green or yellow paint here.
There is an aire within the village giving the most spectacular views over the Rio Guadiana and the Alquava dam. We are 8.5 metres and it was a struggle to get up the cobbled road and the sharp bend at the top but the views were worth it, and of course it was free. There is now a permanent page for Monsaraz, click here Monsaraz
Near Monsaraz there are a number of megalith sites, we visited two of them, quite impressive but two was enough for the day.Dolmen at Olival da Pega
After the stones we decided to head for the Algarve and we are now at Cabanas da Tavira.
The previous blog should have had a video - wifi too weak to upload but it's here now.
The previous blog should have had a video - wifi too weak to upload but it's here now.