Arraiolos

A small town in the Alentejo of Portugal

known for fine needlepoint rugs and tapestries. 

The traditional cross stitch method, embroidered onto a canvas frame is what makes these pieces of art so unusual.  Surprisingly enough they are very sturdy and long lasting. 

Arraiolos is located 13 miles north of Evora and 80 miles east of Lisbon.

Images from the very small but very excellent Museum in Arraiolos. 

Designs and color combinations are endless.

These beautiful rugs have been woven since the 16th century. 
  

A very large rug brought in for repairs. 

Speaking of repairs.

While visiting Portugal almost forty years ago, we purchased this Arraiolos rug. 

It was custom made for a very long hallway in our previous home.  

If you look closely you will see that it is now cut into two halves. 

I cut the middle out of the rug.  
It was a certain color of wool that didn't hold up to the heavy hall traffic.  

The rest of the rug is still in great condition
(remarkable after so many years). 

I will have the two pieces bound and will enjoy them for a few more years. 

These fellas are willing participant.  

Making the famous Arraiolo rugs and tapestries is a cottage industry.  

Almost all of the 30,000 inhabitants of Arraiolos are involved in the making of these beautiful rugs. 

While visiting this Spring we purchased the above rug.  
Unlike other rugs these are easily folded into a suitcase. 

And that is why we traveled to Portugal.  
We needed a new rug.  

Wishing you a wonderful weekend and a great week ahead.  

Thank you for stopping by. 
Your visits and comments are always so appreciated.

Gina 

http://betweennapsontheporch.net/

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 

http://betweennapsontheporch.net/

I'm back

Will share pictures soon. 

Palace Hotel do Bussaco, Luso, Portugal. 

In the meantime I am working diligently on a few orders that were waiting for me while I was away. 

Hope you're having a great week. 

Gina 

Pousadas, historic Inns of Portugal

If you love to travel in style

then staying at a Pousada is your ticket.

portugalreisen
Pousadas are an exclusive chain of historic hotels.

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Luxurious Inns, often renovated castles, monasteries and palaces.

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They were created in the forties by the Portuguese government to help the economy of otherwise forgotten medieval villages and, of course, preserve the historic structures, their national treasures. 

jessicajones@the local.com
Should you take a little excursion into Spain, similar accommodations exist in Spain where they are called Paradores. 

portugalreisen
Often, Pousadas and Paradores are situated on hilltops (defense posts in earlier times) where they can be seen from the valley floor a long distance away, saving you the hassle of searching for the next stopover.  

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Regional cuisine is often served at these historic inns.

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You are transported through eight centuries of history.

Hotel Bussaco

Many years ago, we traveled through Portugal by car and visited many Pousadas.  We didn't need reservations then.  Pousadas have become very popular and reservations are recommended. 

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.  

Of course I have picked most of our hotels which have preserved the tradition of hand painted tiles. 

This will be our first night's stopover, the Pousada Convento Evora.

The perfect hotel to rest up after a long flight

Can't think of a better place to become re-acquainted with beautiful and historic Portugal.


Wishing you a great week ahead. 

Gina