Hi All, May 29-30, 2008 Evora, Portugal
I spent two days in one of the most marvelous Portuguese Cities, Evora. Evora is about mid way down the country and out more in the East. Its in the Alentejo region. Great weather, vineyards and great wine too!
Evora has some left over Roman influence as well as Christian dominance. One of the most preserved Roman Temples is here, its stately square of columns (16 of them I think) and Corinthian Capitals look out over a Monestary courtyard with a beautiful view of the surrounding area. I took in a nice sunset here. Funny thing, these Portuguese always find the highest places around to put their castles, walled cities and cathedrals. If you see the walls, some over 20 feet in height and probably 6 feet or more thick, you know why they were so effective in defending the city, in an era with only bows and arrows and catapults. Even in an era with modern weapons they are still are imposing structures.
Also here was the remenants of a Roman aqueduct, amazing structure. Its purpose was to bring water from near by springs, by gravity to the city. The Romans were impressive builders. Its great to see it up close.
Evora was easy to explore, but I chose to do it slow and enjoy it. Two days here was perfect. I got a kick out of my young 20´s something Innkeeper at the hostel in Lisbon. She said, " two days in Evora!! all you need is a 1/2 a day!" Haaaa kids!! I had no problem stretching out 2 days for Evora, seeing the churches, cathedrals and old university, relaxing, eating Portuguese Caldo Verde Soup, great local red wine, and Super Bock beer, sitting in the cathedral, people watching, more eating, and hiking along the Aqueduct.
Evora was an amazing place. I will upload pictures for you soon
I took buses south to the Portuguese Algarve, the Southern Coast. I´ll report back on that next.
Yours in Travel, Bill
I spent two days in one of the most marvelous Portuguese Cities, Evora. Evora is about mid way down the country and out more in the East. Its in the Alentejo region. Great weather, vineyards and great wine too!
Evora has some left over Roman influence as well as Christian dominance. One of the most preserved Roman Temples is here, its stately square of columns (16 of them I think) and Corinthian Capitals look out over a Monestary courtyard with a beautiful view of the surrounding area. I took in a nice sunset here. Funny thing, these Portuguese always find the highest places around to put their castles, walled cities and cathedrals. If you see the walls, some over 20 feet in height and probably 6 feet or more thick, you know why they were so effective in defending the city, in an era with only bows and arrows and catapults. Even in an era with modern weapons they are still are imposing structures.
Also here was the remenants of a Roman aqueduct, amazing structure. Its purpose was to bring water from near by springs, by gravity to the city. The Romans were impressive builders. Its great to see it up close.
Evora was easy to explore, but I chose to do it slow and enjoy it. Two days here was perfect. I got a kick out of my young 20´s something Innkeeper at the hostel in Lisbon. She said, " two days in Evora!! all you need is a 1/2 a day!" Haaaa kids!! I had no problem stretching out 2 days for Evora, seeing the churches, cathedrals and old university, relaxing, eating Portuguese Caldo Verde Soup, great local red wine, and Super Bock beer, sitting in the cathedral, people watching, more eating, and hiking along the Aqueduct.
Evora was an amazing place. I will upload pictures for you soon
I took buses south to the Portuguese Algarve, the Southern Coast. I´ll report back on that next.
Yours in Travel, Bill
