April 2023 : 4-Day trip to Mertola, Moura, Monsaraz and Alqueva
A group of about 25 members of the AAA went on a 4 day trip in the eastern Alentejo staying overnight in Mertola, Moura and Monsaraz.
On the first day on our way to Mertola we visited the archaeological site at Alcoutim where we were guided by Alexandra Gradim.
|
|
|
|
|
After arriving in Mertola we visited the town and various musuems. At the end of the afternoon we had a pleasant boat trip on the Guadiana river allowing us to admire Mertola from the waterside. Luckily we had wonderful weather.
|
|
|
|
The next day (day 2) we visited the mines of São Domingos |
|
|
After visiting the mines, on our way to Moura, we made a stop at Serpa where we visited the castle and the small museum.
|
We then continued our journey to Moura where we checked in the charming Hotel de Moura. Before dinner everyone had the opportunity to roam the town on their own. Moura has a very charming Mouraria. The moorish presence is also still visible by way of the Mudejar taipa tower inside the castle.
|
Mouraria
|
|
The taipa Mudejar tower
|
|
Igreja Matriz
|
|
|
On day 3 we had a guided visit of Moura.
The archaeological Museum.
|
Moura was at a strategic location as it always had an abundant source of water. The underground water coming down from the mountainous areas would run against the vertical semivulcanic/shist layer that starts/ends at Moura making the water to move up to the surface forming wells/poços. The Moorish houses had a kind of (decorated) clay pots over these wells, examples of which can be seen at the Casa dos Poços.
Casa dos Poços
|
After the museum we were driven to the Alqueva Interpretation centre where Miguel Martinho gave us an overview of the archaeological works related to the Alqueva project. We then had a lovely boat tour on the Alqueva artificial lake. While on the boat we could enjoy a packed lunch.
After the boat ride we went to Monsaraz where we checked into a hotel overlooking the lake. From the Monsaraz castle there was an even grander view over the Alqueva lake.
For dinner we were driven to restaurante Sem Fim which is located in an old olive pressing factory. During dinner we were surprised by a group of Alentejano men giving a performance of Cante Alentejano. Especially moving was when they were singing the song "Grandola" which in 1974 was the sign, when broadcast over the radio, to start the revolution.
For dinner we were driven to restaurante Sem Fim which is located in an old olive pressing factory. During dinner we were surprised by a group of Alentejano men giving a performance of Cante Alentejano. Especially moving was when they were singing the song "Grandola" which in 1974 was the sign, when broadcast over the radio, to start the revolution.
|
|
|
|
On the fourth day we first visited the Dolmeque de Xerez and thereafter, in Reguengos de Monsaraz, we visited a site where the typical Alentejano weaving, called Mante, is done. |
|
Following these visits we headed south again and near Vidigeira visited the impressive and well-known Roman villa of S. Cucufate. Following the Roman period and beyond the site was used as a monastery – having rooms painted with Christian religious murals. |
|
Before heading back to the Algarve we had a lunch/ wine tasting of the Talha wine which is traditionally produced in big vats/ amphoras. Satisfied and happy after an interesting and well organized trip (thanks to João and Birgit) we headed back to the Algarve.
