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Casita Rosa

Alentejo lays south east of the Tagus River and is bordered by Spain and the Atlantic Ocean. The Alentejo region is famous for its wines, its local cuisine, Roman ruins, castles and produces two thirds of the world's cork.

The Alentejo countryside varies considerably, from the open rolling plains of the south to the granite hills that border Spain.

The Alentejo is the driest and hottest region in Portugal. A number of dams have been constructed, the most famous being the Barragem de Alqueva (Alqueva Dam).

The Barragem de Alqueva is the largest man made lake in Europe and has a surface area of 1,200 kilometers.

São Cucufate is an excavation of a Roman farm villa in Vidigueira. The ruins date back to the 4th century and follow an unusual two-storey architectural model.

The high vaulted rooms on the ground floor were once stacked full with agricultural produce. A staircase leads up to the noble residence on the first floor above with fantastic views of the Alentejo countryside.

São Cucufate, Vidigueira is 30 minutes from Quintinha das Rosas

The parish church of Vila Nova de Baronia is referenced as having been contructed in the early 13th, 16th and 17th centuries and stands in the Plaza Francisco Manuel Fialho.

The church is of maneirista construction and the triangular facade is topped by two quadrangle towers.

Igreja Matriz de Vila Nova de Baronia is 5 minutes from Quintinha das Rosas

The parish church of Alvito was contructed in the early 16th century and it's exterior decorative features identify it as Mudejar architecture influenced by Moorish taste.

Inside the church the walls are covered with blue and yellow tiles (azulejos) depicting religious scenes and in the upper choir there is a carved 17th century altar.

Igreja Matriz Nossa Senhora da Assunção is 10 minutes from Quintinha das Rosas

Templo de Diana is more commonly known as Diana Temple for the Roman goddess, believed to have been built in 100-200 AD and located in the walls of Évora city.

Templo de Diana is one of the most famous landmarks, and a symbol of the Roman presence in Portugal.

Over the centuries Templo de Diana has been used as an armoury, a theatre and a slaughter house.

Templo de Diana is 20 minutes from Quintinha das Rosas

This festive journey promoted by the Town Councils of Moita and Viana do Alentejo and local associations revives an ancient tradition which was interrupted for three decades.

Horse riders and carriages from all over Portugal and even some from abroad, embark on a wonderful journey of 170 km (105 miles) from Moita in the Ribatejo to Viana do Alentejo.

At the start of the pilgrimage the horses and riders are blessed by the local priest of A Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem.

At the end of their 3 day journey they arrive at the walled church of Viana do Alentejo and are blessed again. It's a wonderful event and one not to be missed.

Viana do Alentejo is 10 minutes from Quintinha das Rosas

Bread, pork and olive oil form the basis of the Alentejo regional cuisine and herbs and spices are used to infuse countryside aromas.

The Alentejo cuisine has many specialiaties and a typical menu will include Gaspacho à Alentejana, a tomato, cucumber and bread soup served cold. Ensopado de Borrego, stewed lamb and bread. Migas, Pork with breadcrumbs.

The Alentejo region is also known for its traditional cakes and sweets such as Queijadas de Requeijão (a sort of small cheesecake).

Évora's main square Praça do Giraldo once used as an execution ground during the inquisition is now filled with cafe bars and lined with shops.

The square is atmospheric and a wonderful place to just sit, relax and watch the world go by.

Santo Antão Church domintes one end of the square with a large fountain constructed in 1571.

The centre of the square is a mosaic of black and white.

Praça do Giraldo, Évora is 25 minutes from Quintinha das Rosas

Alentejo's best known winery Herdade do Esporão has a history dating back more than 700 years to 1267.

The vineyards cover an area of 600 hectares and produce 9000 tones of grapes.

The Herdade do Esporão estate has three historic monuments, a medieval Tower, the Bow and the Chapel, all declared national heritage monuments.

The Herdade do Esporão visitors centre has a wine bar, a wine tasting room, a restaurant specializing in local and regional food, a panoramic meeting room and inside access to the wine cellar.

Herdade do Esporão estate is 5 minutes from Quintinha das Rosas