Quinta dos Ribeiros ................

S. Mamede natural park

The “ Quinta dos Ribeiros “ is situated : in the region of higher Alentejo, a vast plain at the foot of Mount São Mamede. The dominant green and goldbrown colours of the landscape, bring out the vivid whiteness of the houses.
From North to South this region of Alentejo offers its visitors a wide variety of local handicraft, such as decorated rugs and pottery inlaid with little stones, from Nisa, objects made of straw and tapestry-work from Portalegre, copper and brass from Elvas, carpets from Arraiolos, ceramics frim Evora, forged-iron from Poura and items made of cork from everywhere. The many flock of sheep produce an abundance of milk from which they make delicious cheese at Nisa, Arraiolos and Serpa..

At 1 km from Alpalhão, typical village with little white houses and high chimney stacks rising above their roofs.In the village, there are cosy restaurants and terraces, a grocer’s shop, a chemist and a bank with cash dispenser.

Alpalhão is known for its pork sausages called “ enchidos “. Each year in the month of April the locals and people from other regions gather to celebrate the “Feira dos enchidos”.
From far away people come to buy varieties of sausages as well as other traditional quality products which are considered as the best of the country.
Alpalhão confectionery is also much appreciated with its large selection of cakes and liquors
( peaches, pennyroyals, figs, quinces,.....)
The village has kept some traces of its historical past : a beautiful stone cross, from the middle of the XVIth century, pieces of the town walls and towers from the XIIIth century castle.

Fountain and street in Alpalhão

At 11 km from Nisa, chief town of the department and spa, well known for its treatment of respiratory and rheumatic problems, also a crafts and gastronomical centre.
At the “ Quinta dos Ribeiros”, the town authorities of Nisa have an exhibition hall at their disposal, where regional specialtities are on permanent display ( inlaid pottery, old embroideries, farm produce,....).

pottery works

At 13 km from Crato, a peaceful Alentejo village. The order of the Knights Hospitallers was found here in 1336 and under this Priorship, the little town grew in importance, and received its patent of nobility. Many facades still bear the Maltese cross, a reminder of prestigious days long gone. A great number of elegant buildings of huge architectural importance can still be admired, such as manor houses and religious edifices from the XVIth and XVIIIth century.

At 17 km from Castelo de Vide old fortified medieval town. This is a very picturesque and animated place with a well preserved castle, open to the public. Beautiful residential and religious buildings of great architectural importance are hidden behind the narrow alleys that end in several little squares with charming old fountains, such as the “ Fonte da vila” from the Renaissance period.
In the XVth century the town had a large jewish community, its traces are still visible,in particular, one of the oldest synagogues of the country around which, the old jewish quarter was built.

Also to be visited is the “ Casa Amarela “ a narrow two storey-building from the baroque period and the ten or a dozen churches in town.

Castelo de Vide is situated along the wine route from S. Mamede and has also a famous golf course.

Golf course........................................................Fountain

Castelo de Vide castle

At 23km from Portalegre, regional capital. Surrounded by the two ridges of the São Mamede mountains, with beautiful belvederes and natural swimmingpools, uniting the green features from the upland plain with the Alentejo lowlands.The processing of cork is one of the main ressources of this wine producing area.
Portalegre has an amazing cultural heritage : the cathedral (Sé), three convents, various museums, a multitude of churches and chapels, a seminary, a palace ornated with admirable windows in Manuel Ist style and many more monuments make up the touristic and historical panorama. Some streets are bordered with old manorial residences, built one against the other, almost as if they want to get protection, even symbolically,from the old royal castle.

Round the Republican square we can see some stylish houses built around the XVIIIth and XIVth century. The museum and house of the poet José Régio, who used to be a teacher at the Portalegre lyceum, is certainly worth a visit.
The National São Mamede Park with an area of 30 000 ha, is situated next to the town and has a rich animal and plant life and astonishing varied geological elements. Various remnants from the Palaeolithic and Neolithic, from the Roman times and from the middle ages were found here.

At 27 km from Marvão, a charming little medieval fortified city, situated on a rocky mountain ridge at an altitude of 800 m and within a stone’s throw of the Spanish border.
The acces route to the fortified city entrance passes round the hill. The streets are covered with typical Portuguese flagstones and surrounded by pretty houses with a remarkable architecture.
Here and there, on the corner of a street against a housewall, one can spot an altar, reminding us the devotion of the faithful. Marvão is also situated on the S. Mamede wine route, and offers a splendid view of the surrounding landscape. The town has recently applied for the status of world patrimony of the UNESCO.

It is very pleasant to visit the town on foot, walking along the ramparts, ending with a visit of the beautiful castle.

Marvão castle

At 28 km from Alter do Chão with the oldest and most renown stud-farm of Portugal.

.....
Alter do Chão castle...........................................stud-farm..............

At one hour drive from Evora, beautiful town with numerous ancient and medieval monuments. This masterpiece of the Portuguese cultural patrimony, classified by the UNESCO is a must for all visitors!

Roman temple

A two-hour drive from Lisbon.

....
The Belem tower and Monastry of Jerome

The “Quinta dos Ribeiros” is situated in an area with a rich megalithic past (menhirs,dolmen and other tombs). Standing out against all is the remarkable necropolis of Courceleiros and the menhir of Meada, the biggest on the Iberian Peninsula.