Portugal for Travellers and Tourists » Archaeological tourism Archive » Portugal for Travellers and Tourists

The Fojo Cave

theperfecttourist — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 14:14:27 +0000

Is close to Praia da Adraga and is a result of corrosive rainwater action through existing fractures in the limestone rocks, combined with the erosive action of the waves, which created a labyrinth of caves, caverns and enormous cracks.

It is said that the Romans believed there was a Triton playing a horn made of conch at the bottom of the hole Fojo, that has about 90 meters.
In fact, it would be the noise caused by the waves.

But at the time it was sent an embassy to the Emperor Tiberius (from the year AD 14:34) to report the phenomenon.

A bumpy ride but well worth it with breath taking views

Castro Romariz- Evidences of the Celtic heritage

theperfecttourist — Tue, 04 Mar 2014 23:16:58 +0000

Although is not well known the Celtic influence in Portugal is very large.
Theories suggest the year 900 BC to be marked by the arrival at the Iberian Peninsula of the first Celtic tribes. Mixing with local cultures, gave rise to Celtaibéros (or Celtiberian), with for example the Lusitanians.

The Celts inhabited localities which have many names: Brigantia is Bragança, Braga is Bracara, Pendraganum is Pedrogão and Cambra is Vale de Cambra.

It is said also that the blond Portuguese who found in the north, have Celtic ancestry.

Here you have Castro Romariz, a group of villages that are said to have Celtic origin, though sometimes have served as shelter for subsequent crops.

About the Celts, they haven´t left a single written document and what we know is through the Romans and some myths.
Were rather “chaotic” organized in tribes and arguably, most of the time was spent fighting each other.
Do not have an organized mythology, each tribe had its legends and its Gods. At the beginning, before being influenced by the Romans, had an animist cult and its main agricultural deities Gods, representatives of the quickening power of nature.

Mértola, The Arabic Town in South Alentejo

theperfecttourist — Mon, 24 Feb 2014 21:50:25 +0000

The period of the Arab occupation which began in the 8th century lasted almost 500 years in the south of Portugal. With this Portugal inhereted farming techniques, harvesting systems and water supply , eating habits , several hundred words, building techniques , decorative tastes , artistic styles , urban environments . Muslims are the archetypes of many of our castles and several Christian churches were rebuilt on primitive mosques . Mértola is Portugal´s most Arab town , the right place to understand this heritage .

As the last river port inside the Guadiana , Mértola was an asset trading center since pre -Roman prestigious municipium during the Roman occupation , the capital of a Muslim kingdom in the Islamic period and the first seat of the Knights of Santiago. People settled here , circled the products of far away places from the ancient Mediterranean world, tradded bread and olive oil, Beja´s clays and ores from Aljustrel and S. Domingos. .

The mosque , later adapted to Christian church , is the only Arab religious space preserved in our country . The Islamic Museum Center , with a valuable collection from 20 years of research , provides us with the best evidence and most educational lesson about the importance and richness of the period of the Arab occupation of southern Portugal .

But not only the mosque and this core , to which are added various other themes around the village , which justify the visit Mértola . What makes it unique is that all its Historical Center is an active field of archeological work . Thanks to the daily efforts of a team of researchers and technicians , we can see live how history unfolds , archaeologists find in the street around their excavations and make contact with potential new discoveries . The way this project turned the impoverished village in to a multi-cultural landmark in Europe and worldwide itineraries makes Mértola experience demonstrative , with a dimension perhaps unique in the country , the role that culture can play in sustainable development a place .

Jurumenha´s Castle

theperfecttourist — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 15:35:09 +0000

Jurumenha´s Castle- Alentejo region

The region of Juromenha , probably due to its strategic position along the Guadiana River, was occupied by others before the Romans. The Muslim occupation lasted almost two centuries, but in 1167, D.Afonso Henriques took this castle, which would again be conquered by the Moors. Finally, in 1191 returned to the Portuguese possession.

It was fortified and a 40mts tower built in 1312, during D.Dinis reign. Suffered a devastation with the 1755 Earthquake.

Today, after several reconstructions it´s in ruins.

Considered Property of Public Interest.

The Roman Ruins of Troia in Setúbal Region

theperfecttourist — Thu, 16 Jan 2014 16:09:45 +0000

In Troia can be found the largest manufacturing complex known to men of salting fish, was built in the first half of the 1st Century and was developed in a township probably occupied until the 6th Century.

The archaeological centers that can be visit are two large brining workshops, the spa, the mausoleum, the necropolis mausoleum and residential core of the Princess Street.

The access route installed in 2010, has explanatory panels in seven observation points and signs for alternative routes.

The early Christian basilica is open to visitors only on guided tours.