Road Trip: ES/PT Day 8

Day 8 of our spring road trip was spent entirely within Portugal.

 

First up was the morning view of the 15th-17th century aqueduct that disappears into the fortifications of Elvas (PT), as well as a walk about the medieval town.

Then it was off to yet another white city (Estremoz, PT), where we wandered through an old house that hinted of former luxury.

Nearby, white marble accents contrast with the pink marble of the 13th century castle.

Estremoz is known for its "Portuguese pavement", consisting of swirling black and white limestone sidewalk mosaics.

Continuing on, we came to the Castelo de Évoramonte (PT) on a hill above the olive groves and village of Évora Monte.

Although first constructed after the area was taken back from the Moors, the current walls date from reconstruction after an earthquake in 1531.

Much of the rest of our day was spent touring the city of Evora (PT), including exploring the Gothic cathedral from the outside,

inside the cloister,

and atop the roof!

The fortress-like cathedral offers an excellent view of town.

The white-washed houses of Evora (PT) are often trimmed with the traditional yellow of the Alentejo region.

As befitting a church adorned with a facade symbolizing world power (at least in the 16th century), the Igreja da Graça is now used by the Portuguese Armed Forces.

Even the side chapels of the 15th century Igreja de São Francisco demonstrate the wealth of the era.

The church is perhaps best known for the 16th century Capela dos Ossos, a mortuary chapel "decorated" with the bones of ca. 5000 souls.  A tour guide pointed out the large proportion of small skulls that reflect not only the high child mortality of the times, but also the poor nutrition that kept everyone petite.

The coolest spot on this warm day was under the groined vault of a medieval convent-cum-palace within the public gardens.

Our final stop was Montemor-o-Novo (PT), to explore the medieval Castelo that spans across three hills.

The 13th century stone walls encircled what became a noble residence 200 years later.

The town itself is nestled into the hillsides and is consequently unusually green.

Much of the surrounding region is used for sheep herding and olive groves,

which may explain the record number of potholes in the rural road to our accommodations.  Whew, 8 days down!