Portugal at last!
May 16th, 2022, 03:59 PM
#141
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Progol
Just found your thread. Absolutely beautiful. We are leaving for Lisbon Monday the 23rd. This was a planned trip for May 2020. Finally making it happen. Can you recommend any restaurants. especially the one you must reserve. Keep your photos coming. thank you
May 16th, 2022, 05:17 PM
#143
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I've always associated the white towns with neighboring Andalucia so it's a surprise to see it in your photos of Evora. Definitely looks very different to the colors and decorative details of the Lisbon region.
May 17th, 2022, 05:16 AM
#144
Join Date: Jun 2007
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We dropped off at Hertz, they have a location just off Marques de Pombal traffic circle on Rua Castilho, and it went smooth. May save you an airport trip, was also a bit cheaper when we booked.
May 17th, 2022, 06:06 AM
#145
Join Date: Feb 2019
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We leave the next day. It was also our May 2020 trip!
May 17th, 2022, 10:55 AM
#147
Original Poster
realgirl and gtitone, wishing you both great trips! We are having a wonderful time! We’ve been to Sintra, Lisbon, Evora, and now in Marvão, a marvelous (!) castle town in the Alentejo with an absolutely stunning view of the countryside. Our internet connection is a little weak here so I’ll just have to wait a day or so before I can continue posting photos again.
People here are very warm and welcoming! It’s a very relaxed place to travel and mostly pretty easy to get around.
People here are very warm and welcoming! It’s a very relaxed place to travel and mostly pretty easy to get around.
May 17th, 2022, 03:02 PM
#152
Join Date: Jan 2008
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Yo Progol, what a evocative shot!! Have I suggested yet that you two go over to Marvao's cistern to shout/howl/sing/produce audio whatever audio? The echo down there is remarkable---my pal and I are still banned from that village due to our rock-band-level sonic-noizes.
More more Marvao!
I am done. the border
More more Marvao!
I am done. the border
May 18th, 2022, 12:09 AM
#153
Original Poster
tripplanner, this area has a feeling reminiscent of, though not the same, as Andalucia. It is all part of the Iberian peninsula! The whitewashed buildings are such a wonderful style.
maribel, I will get to more Marvão once we’re done with Evora! Promise! Of course, I’m days behind by now…
zebec, NOW you tell me! I will see if we can get to the cistern before we leave, but I may have to pass up on the chance to make a lot of noise!
maribel, I will get to more Marvão once we’re done with Evora! Promise! Of course, I’m days behind by now…
zebec, NOW you tell me! I will see if we can get to the cistern before we leave, but I may have to pass up on the chance to make a lot of noise!
May 18th, 2022, 12:18 AM
#154
Original Poster
The Capela dos Ossos, or Chapel of Bones, is surprisingly pleasing, despite being so macabre. This was built in the 17th century by 3 Franciscan Friars and it’s purpose was to show the temporary nature and fragility of life. It’s quite a sight!
The inscription over the doorway reads “We bones that are here await tours”!
The inscription over the doorway reads “We bones that are here await tours”!
May 18th, 2022, 02:12 AM
#155
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Yo Progol, what a evocative shot!! Have I suggested yet that you two go over to Marvao's cistern to shout/howl/sing/produce audio whatever audio? The echo down there is remarkable---my pal and I are still banned from that village due to our rock-band-level sonic-noizes.
More more Marvao!
I am done. the border
More more Marvao!
I am done. the border
Progol- you continue to visit spots we just left. Marvao and Evora were both great spots to visit, and you see another side of Portugal. The number of castles along the Spanish border really add to your wandering/exploring adventures.
May 18th, 2022, 06:14 AM
#156
Join Date: Sep 2003
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Love the Marvao photo and all the little tidbits of info. I'll come back to this TR later, we're leaving tomorrow and I'm not planning any connection with the world for the next 3 weeks. Except email in case of emergency, hopefully none. Have a wonderful rest of your trip!
May 18th, 2022, 08:03 AM
#157
Original Poster
bdokeefe,
We’re now in Tomar, which feels like we’ve returned to the real world after Marvão. I must admit, I’m missing the awayness of the Alentejo. It grows on you.
xyz, have an absolutely fantastic trip! We’ll catch up when you return!
We’re now in Tomar, which feels like we’ve returned to the real world after Marvão. I must admit, I’m missing the awayness of the Alentejo. It grows on you.
xyz, have an absolutely fantastic trip! We’ll catch up when you return!
May 18th, 2022, 09:15 AM
#159
Original Poster
And if medieval history isn’t old enough, there are the prehistoric sites, or megaliths, that surround Evora. The best one is the Almendres Cromlech, a vague circle of over 100 stones, a few with ancient markings that could just barely be seen.
There is the Almendres menhir, a 10-foot standing stone - the best part of the visit was the very long rutted path we had to walk to get there!
Finally, the Great Dolmen of Zambujeiro, an important structure for burials, but was in poor shape.
And the region is dotted with cork forests, a very beautiful and almost eerie sight.
There is the Almendres menhir, a 10-foot standing stone - the best part of the visit was the very long rutted path we had to walk to get there!
Finally, the Great Dolmen of Zambujeiro, an important structure for burials, but was in poor shape.
And the region is dotted with cork forests, a very beautiful and almost eerie sight.
