Route of the Portuguese Cathedrals
The Cathedral of Beja (the Church of St. James the Greater) is one of the oldest churches in Beja. This church, which combines mannerist, baroque, and revivalist architectural features, is based on a rectangular plan, with three naves divided intove groin vaulted aisles. The interior is richlydecorated and of special note is the gilded wood carving of the main altarpiece, as well as some ofthe seventeenth-century altars. Between 1932 and 1937 restoration work was undertaken, above all devoted to the cathedral’s mannerist and baroque features. In 2015 it was reopened to the public following a further impressive restoration that has preserved thebuilding’s history and beauty.
Popular Clay Figurines
The production of Clay Figures, often referred to as 'Bonecos de Estremoz', is an art form with a historydating back over three centuries. In December 2017 UNESCO included the Craftsmanship ofEstremoz Clay Figures on its Representative list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. More than one hundred di erent types of gurehave been inventoried and new subject matter,which is always related to the everyday life of both urban and rural Altentejo society, is created on a daily basis. These symbolic gures, with their lively colours and singular forms, catch the eye of all who pass by. UNESCO World Heritage – Garrison BorderTown of Elvas and its Forti cations The Amoreira aqueduct is one of the principalsymbols of the city of Elvas. The aqueduct, which links the Amoreira region to Elvas, has 843 arches all together, and a number of underground galleries over 6 metres underground. Its construction aimed to solve the problemof supplying water to the city centre, an issuethat became more serious as the population grew. In 2012 it was added to the Representative list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity along with the forti cations of Elvas.
Mediterranean Trees
Strawberry trees (Arbutus unedo), which are native to the Mediterranean region, are to be found growing in the less fertile soils of rural regions, such as Alentejo or the inland Algarve.These trees have a sinuous trunk with a ssuredbark and can grow to between 5 and 10 metres in height. In the Autumn their bright green leaves, with their serrated edges contrast with their picturesque,yellow, reddish edible fruits. These are widelysought after, above all in southern Portugal,where they are used to produce liquors, spirits and jams. This tree’s white or pink tinged owers are very attractive which also makes it a popularornamental plant.
Portuguese Fruits
The Algarve is Portugal’s main citrus producing region thanks to its combination of natural features, such as climate and soil, that favour this form of agriculture. The region’s high number ofsunny days and typically warm temperaturesensure its renown for growing oranges, which are known for their distinctive characteristics, such as their excellent taste, a balance of sweetness andacidity and high juice content, as well as their ne, shiny and brightly coloured peel.
