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/

Confection

Confection, as in Architecture

Bussaco Palace was designed by Italian Architect Luigi Manini (1848-1936) 

Palace Hotel do Bussaco is located in Luso, Portugal, a short distance from Porto, Portugal. 

We drove through Portugal this past late March and early April,
the perfect time to visit Portugal.

We travelled from Pousadas to Castles to Convents.  All transformed into beautiful and luxurious hotels. 

The People of Portugal so welcoming. 

Deep in the Forest stands Bussaco Palace surrounded by a magical forest.  





A forest with a collection of 700 varieties of trees including 300 exotic species. 

A Palace of extraordinary beauty.

A place where you will feel like a princess 
(or a Prince).

 

You may choose from sixty rooms.

  

Interior and Exterior walls are covered with large Azulejo tile murals. 

Azulejos are hand decorated, tin glazed earthenware tiles.

The technique of painting on tin glazed ceramic tiles was first introduced to Portugal by Italian Potters in the late 16th century, 
where they are known as painted in the Maiolica style. 

No architectural detail was left uncarved. 

Breakfast and Dinners are served in this large and very ornate dining room.  

The same technique of painting with color pigments onto ceramic tiles is known in Italy as  Maiolica

These ceramic tile panels were painted by 

Jorge Colaco (1868-1942) depicting scenes from Portugal's colorful maritime history.  

The very same technique of painting on tiles is still being used today. 

The only part that has changed is that kilns are now powered by electricity rather than wood. 

It makes it so convenient.  I don't have to wait

6 months to see how my ceramics turned out.  

All it takes is 30 hours from firing to cooling.  

Have a great week dear Friends, 

Gina 

http://betweennapsontheporch.net

http://ourworldtuesdaymeme.blogspot.com/

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.

portugalreisen
Luxurious Inns, often renovated castles, monasteries and palaces.

portugalreisen
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.  

portugalreisen
Regional cuisine is often served at these historic inns.

portugalreisen
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