The Alentejo region of Portugal is a region of undulating plains with a rich and fertile soil, with rugged Atlantic beaches, a paradise for surfers. The region is mainly agricultural and products grown in the region include grain, sunflower, fruit, vegatables, olives and of course grapes for the exceptional Alentejo wines. The region also has many lakes, created by man made dams, the largest being at Alqueva. The dam is used to produce hydro-electric power, and to provide water for irrigation. This water is much needed as the Alentejo is the hottest and driest region in Portugal. |
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The capital city of the region is Evora. Located in the heart of the region 130km from Lisbon. The city is on the list of UNESCO World Heratage sites because of its large number of monuments dating from many periods of history. It was named Ebora by the Lusitanians, who lived in the area before the arrival of the Romans who conquered Ebora in 57 BC. Julius Caesar named the city Liberaltis Julia where it became a high ranking city in the municipalities of Roman Spain. The Moors conquered the city in 715 and renamed it Yeborah. It finally came under Portuguese rule in 1166 under Alfonso I. During the middle ages the city flurished, with the Portuguese court taking residense for long periods, constructing great palaces. Many important decisions and Royal weddings took place here and mouuments from this time survive in the city today. |
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Other major citys and towns in the region include the picturesque city of Santarém with it's large collection of gothic churches, Portalegra in the heart of the natural park of S. Mamede, Beja with its dominating 13th century hilltop castle and Sines, the birthplace of Vasco Da Gama. |
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