Exploring the Timeless Charm of Évora with Family

Echoes of Royalty in Vila Viçosa

Today, our family journey took us beyond Évora, diving deep into the heart of the Alentejo to explore the storied town of Vila Viçosa. It was a day filled with historical discoveries, delightful flavors, and the kind of simple joys that make traveling with family so rewarding. From the rolling vineyards of Monte da Ravasqueira, every moment was a testament to Portugal's rich heritage.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Salsa Verde back in Évora. Astrid enjoyed her usual café latte, while Lasse devoured a stack of pancakes. I opted for a strong espresso, gearing up for a day of exploration. With the car packed and spirits high, we set off towards our first destination: Monte da Ravasqueira.

The drive itself was a treat, the landscape unfolding before us like a painting. The Alentejo in January has a certain charm – the olive groves and vineyards slumbering under the winter sun, the air crisp and clean. It’s a different kind of beauty than the sun-drenched landscapes of summer, quieter, more contemplative.

Monte da Ravasqueira: A Taste of Alentejo

Monte da Ravasqueira was impressive. As we drove up the long, winding path, the estate unfolded before us, revealing vast vineyards stretching as far as the eye could see. The winery itself was a modern marvel, its architecture a nod to the wineries I've seen in Napa Valley. We decided to take a tour, eager to learn about the winemaking process and, of course, sample some of their finest offerings.

Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, walking us through the vineyards and explaining the unique terroir of the region. I found myself particularly fascinated by their use of traditional methods combined with modern technology. As a restorer, I appreciate the blend of old and new, the respect for craftsmanship that transcends time.

The tasting, naturally, was the highlight. We sampled a range of wines, from crisp whites to robust reds, each one telling a story of the Alentejo. Astrid, a librarian with a keen interest in literature, remarked on the poetic descriptions of each wine, comparing them to characters in a novel. Lasse, ever the pragmatist, simply enjoyed the flavors, declaring the red his favorite.

Before leaving, we stopped by the Ervideira Wine Shop located on the premises. This was a delightful surprise, as I wasn't expecting to find such a gem amidst the vineyards. We picked up a few bottles to take back to Denmark, souvenirs that would surely bring back memories of our Alentejo adventure. I chose a robust red, hoping it would pair well with a hearty Italian stew.


Discover the exquisite flavors of Alentejo at Ervideira Wine Shop, Évora's premier destination for local wines and tastings.

To walk through history is to touch the soul of a place, to feel the echoes of those who came before.

A Royal Encounter: The Castle and Ducal Palace of Vila Viçosa

Leaving Monte da Ravasqueira, we drove to Vila Viçosa, a town steeped in royal history. Our first stop was the Castle of Vila Viçosa, a formidable structure that has witnessed centuries of Portuguese history. As we approached, its imposing walls and towers loomed large, a testament to its strategic importance throughout the ages.


Discover the grandeur of the Castle of Vila Viçosa, a historical gem in Portugal offering captivating architecture and panoramic views.

The castle's origins date back to the 14th century, though the site has likely been fortified since Roman times. It was fascinating to learn about its role in defending Portugal against Castile and its later transformation into an artillery castle. Lasse, a keen gamer, was particularly interested in the castle's military history, peppering our guide with questions about sieges and battles.

From the castle, it was a short walk to the Ducal Palace of Vila Viçosa, the former seat of the House of Braganza. This palace is not just a building; it's a journey through Portuguese history, art, and culture. The sheer scale of the palace is breathtaking, its façade stretching over 100 meters. Built with locally-extracted Monte Claros marble, the palace shimmered in the afternoon sun, a beacon of royal grandeur.


Discover the rich history and stunning architecture of the Ducal Palace of Vila Viçosa, an essential stop for history enthusiasts and culture seekers.

Inside, we were transported to another era. The rooms were lavishly decorated with tapestries, furniture, and art, each piece telling a story of the Braganza family. I was particularly drawn to the collection of 750 copper pieces in the kitchen. As a furniture restorer, I appreciated the craftsmanship and the history embedded in each item. Astrid was captivated by the azulejo tiles, their intricate patterns and vibrant colors reflecting Portugal's artistic heritage. Lasse, surprisingly, was intrigued by the collection of carriages, marveling at the engineering and design of these historical vehicles.

The private rooms of King Carlos and Queen Amélia were especially poignant, their personal belongings arranged as if they were expected to return any moment. It was a somber reminder of the tragic events that led to the end of the Portuguese monarchy, King Carlos’ assassination in 1908.

A Culinary Finale: Dinner at Cavalariça Évora

After a day of exploring, we were ready for a good meal. We drove back to Évora and headed straight to Cavalariça Évora for dinner. This restaurant, located in the Palácio dos Duques de Cadaval, had been recommended to us for its modern take on traditional Alentejo cuisine.


Discover Cavalariça Évora: where traditional Portuguese flavors meet modern culinary artistry in a historic palace setting.

The atmosphere was lively and welcoming. The restaurant was bustling with locals and tourists alike, the air filled with the aroma of delicious food. We started with a selection of petiscos, small plates designed for sharing. The tempura of green beans, kale, and zucchini was a particular hit, the light, crispy batter perfectly complementing the fresh vegetables. For mains, Astrid chose the vegetarian risotto, while Lasse opted for the Pluma de porco alentejano, a local pork dish. I decided on the secretos de porco, intrigued by the description. Each dish was a work of art, the flavors complex and satisfying. We shared a dark-and-white chocolate mousse for dessert, the perfect end to a perfect meal.

As we savored our meal, we recounted the highlights of our day. Vila Viçosa had exceeded our expectations, its history and beauty leaving a lasting impression. It was a day of discovery, a day of connection, a day of family.

Tomorrow marks the end of our Alentejo adventure. We plan to visit Pousada Castelo Estremoz and the Castle of Redondo, soaking in the last bits of Portuguese history before heading back to Denmark. We'll also make a stop at Fitapreta Vinhos, hoping to bring back a few more bottles of Alentejo's liquid gold. And, of course, we'll swing by MyCorkDesign to pick up a few souvenirs made of local cork.

But for now, I'll rest and dream of marble palaces and rolling vineyards.