Praça do Giraldo

Évora, Portugal - Region of Alentejo

Évora is a fascinating town full of history which dates back more than 2000 years.  Its old city center, surrounded by medieval walls, has been considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986.  The 16th century Renaissance fountain, made of local pink marble, contains eight jets symbolizing the eight streets leading into this square - Praça do Giraldo.  In times of the Inquisition, several autos-da-fé were witnessed here.

This square is usually buzzing with people, but I arrived quite early in the morning, something unusual for me, and was able to take in the peace and quiet of the moment.

Paço Ducal de Vila Viçosa

Vila Viçosa, Portugal - Region of Alentejo

The Paço Ducal de Vila Viçosa (Ducal Palace of Vila Viçosa), the former residence of the Dukes of Bragança and several kings, was started in the year 1501 and completed in the 18th century.  The main façade is completely covered with blue Estremoz marble and is inspired by Italian Renaissance architecture.  Today fifty rooms are open to the public housing art collections and rare books originally belonging to King Manuel II, Flemish and French tapestries, ceramic tiles, frescoes, furniture, porcelain and armor.

Marble in Estremoz

Estremoz, Portugal - Region of Alentejo

Portugal is the second largest exporter of marble in the world, with Italy being the first.  Eighty-five percent of the marble of Portugal is produced in and around Estremoz.  In fact, there is so much marble around this town that it is used everywhere, even as the cobble stones covering the street in this picture!  Marble is also used to make whitewash, an inexpensive way to paint buildings.  Houses in the Alentejo region are typically white and it is common to see ochre or blue painted around the windows and doors.