We cross the mighty Tagus River to Evora via the Vasco de Gama Bridge, one of Europe's newest and longest suspension bridges. It is 10.7 miles long, named after the great Portuguese ocean navigator, Vasco de Gama. 3,300 workers helped build the bridge which opened in 1998...some say it is in fact the longest bridge in Europe.
Next stop Evora. This well preserved old town cents is still partially enclosed by medial walls and of course a few tourist sales to be made
How about this Roman temple Bubs? And yes this is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is called the Diana Temple- this 1st century temple was dedicated to the cult of Emperor Augustus. How did it survive destruction over the years?
The place dates back for more than two Milena.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Evora has more than two Milena of history and a pronounced Moorish influence. Our local guide showed us the Caea dos Ossos in the 15th century church of Sao Francisco and the Cathedral of St. Maria, thee largest cathedral in Portugal.
Oh joy another church...
but wait, what is this?? Saint Francis Church, built between the end of the 15th and early 16th centuries is a masterpiece of late Gothic Architecture. Lots of chapels...including the Chapel of Bones...
Bones?
Skulls?
Yes, TOTALLY covered with human bones. The bones of more than 5,000 monks have been put here to striking decorative effect- how about that for some decorative wall treatment.
Wow, covered shopping back in the day?? Urban planning ancient style Bubs.
The town center posts who died...always a look see.
And the lovely Chan family from Texas....
Bubs, let's hope Boca doesn't spot these...
But hey, how about all the cork stuff??? Portugal produces 50% of the world wide cork. They wait till the tree is about 25 years old to start pulling the bark/cork. Some cork buying was in order...yes Boca, get Alex a cork back pack...I'm going to get one too. And Boca thought that wine corks was the main product. How has the screw top bottle effected the cork biz over here?
You who....still more church looking. Wait up! Lots of gleaming gold leaf and tons of dazzling tiles.
After many interlopers the Portuguese recaptured flourished during the Middle Ages- the court of the 1st ad 2nd dynasties resided here for long periods- hence palaces, monuemts and religious buildings.
Lunch at the Pousada of Loios- state run Hotel set inside a former convent that dates from the 15th century. First in, kicks off the Tauck Lunch Time Wine Fest....
Bon appetite and cheers! A gastronomic delight. Boca is loving the pig- "presto"- the black footed pigs fatten themselves up on acorns that drop from the cork ad holm oaks looming over the gently rolling hills. Oink Oink!
d de Evora-Loios, a former convent and quite the notable buliding.
Convento De Espinheiro aka Convent of Thorn
You dumb cluck....Evora is Portugal not Spain. Fab hotel...former monastery. Start praying Bubba. No better yet go to the spa.."a real must for those seeking tranquility after being with their wife on vacation for 2 months.". I'm in he yelped. And Pleep asked, "What's a tepidarium?" Boca, knowing this was a former monastery knew they had to have a magnificent wine cellar so she asked about a "tour". Alrighty then...
Yes, formerly a convent...now majoring in wine making.
Come on Mueller, you can do it.
We wanted to make sure Mrs. Boca was welcomed properly.
A very cool Starwood property indeed.
Impeccably refurbished...
Ok Boca, I am going to take five.
While Boca enjoys the view....
And then joins the tour....lots of wine making going on in the convent these days.
The beautiful chapel was dedicated Santa Maria August.
Get down from there Pleep~
Boca is all up in the gold leaf and gilding...
The convent make over is quite stupendous....
With the extinction of the male religious orders in 1834 the convent was vacate and went to the State...eventually sold to Manuel Lopes who did the restoration. And what a fabulous job he did!
Yes it is Boca- quite the 5 star property.
And Boca always loves the "Pillow Menu"...feathers please. Ok Bubs, you take 5.
Like father, like son.
The old cellar gave way to the restaurant....
mmmmm and a good time was had by all.
Next stop Evora. This well preserved old town cents is still partially enclosed by medial walls and of course a few tourist sales to be made
How about this Roman temple Bubs? And yes this is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is called the Diana Temple- this 1st century temple was dedicated to the cult of Emperor Augustus. How did it survive destruction over the years?
The place dates back for more than two Milena.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Evora has more than two Milena of history and a pronounced Moorish influence. Our local guide showed us the Caea dos Ossos in the 15th century church of Sao Francisco and the Cathedral of St. Maria, thee largest cathedral in Portugal.
Oh joy another church...
but wait, what is this?? Saint Francis Church, built between the end of the 15th and early 16th centuries is a masterpiece of late Gothic Architecture. Lots of chapels...including the Chapel of Bones...
Bones?
Yes, TOTALLY covered with human bones. The bones of more than 5,000 monks have been put here to striking decorative effect- how about that for some decorative wall treatment.
Wow, covered shopping back in the day?? Urban planning ancient style Bubs.
The town center posts who died...always a look see.
Bubs, let's hope Boca doesn't spot these...
But hey, how about all the cork stuff??? Portugal produces 50% of the world wide cork. They wait till the tree is about 25 years old to start pulling the bark/cork. Some cork buying was in order...yes Boca, get Alex a cork back pack...I'm going to get one too. And Boca thought that wine corks was the main product. How has the screw top bottle effected the cork biz over here?
You who....still more church looking. Wait up! Lots of gleaming gold leaf and tons of dazzling tiles.
After many interlopers the Portuguese recaptured flourished during the Middle Ages- the court of the 1st ad 2nd dynasties resided here for long periods- hence palaces, monuemts and religious buildings.
Lunch at the Pousada of Loios- state run Hotel set inside a former convent that dates from the 15th century. First in, kicks off the Tauck Lunch Time Wine Fest....
Bon appetite and cheers! A gastronomic delight. Boca is loving the pig- "presto"- the black footed pigs fatten themselves up on acorns that drop from the cork ad holm oaks looming over the gently rolling hills. Oink Oink!
d de Evora-Loios, a former convent and quite the notable buliding.
Convento De Espinheiro aka Convent of Thorn
You dumb cluck....Evora is Portugal not Spain. Fab hotel...former monastery. Start praying Bubba. No better yet go to the spa.."a real must for those seeking tranquility after being with their wife on vacation for 2 months.". I'm in he yelped. And Pleep asked, "What's a tepidarium?" Boca, knowing this was a former monastery knew they had to have a magnificent wine cellar so she asked about a "tour". Alrighty then...
Yes, formerly a convent...now majoring in wine making.
Come on Mueller, you can do it.
We wanted to make sure Mrs. Boca was welcomed properly.
A very cool Starwood property indeed.
Lots of architecture and history to take in....
Ok Boca, I am going to take five.
While Boca enjoys the view....
And then joins the tour....lots of wine making going on in the convent these days.
The beautiful chapel was dedicated Santa Maria August.
Get down from there Pleep~
Boca is all up in the gold leaf and gilding...
With the extinction of the male religious orders in 1834 the convent was vacate and went to the State...eventually sold to Manuel Lopes who did the restoration. And what a fabulous job he did!
Yes it is Boca- quite the 5 star property.
And Boca always loves the "Pillow Menu"...feathers please. Ok Bubs, you take 5.
Like father, like son.
The old cellar gave way to the restaurant....
