Hotel Pousada de Arraiolos in
Alentejo, Portugal is the restoration of a 16th Century convent.
The restoration of this Pousada
was under the direction of the famous Architect Jose Paulo dos Santos.
He has achieved perfect harmony between traditional and modern concepts
of Portuguese architecture successfully combining the austerity of a convent
with todays' standards of comfort.
The nearby town of Arraiolos
is renowned worldwide for its magnificent hand woven carpets originally
based on Persian designs. The Arraiolos carpets are more colourful and
primitive in style and can be purchased at numerous outlets in the town.
To see some of the originals
visit the town hall or take a trip to Pelegrejinha (10 km to the east)
where there is a permanent exhibition in the Casa de Artes.
Overlooked by the ruins of
a once impressive 14th Century castle the little white washed town of Arraiolos
has a 16th Century Misericordia (hospital) containing some excellent examples
of azulejos (tiles).
Twenty kilometres to the
south is the historic town of Evora,
a UNESCO world heritage town.
This impressive fortified
town is known as the Portuguese capital of the Renaissance. It attracted
architects from all over Europe resulting in a rich architectural heritage.
Within the Jardim Publico is the Palacio de Dom Manuel, to whom the Manueline
style of architecture is attributed.
The 2nd Century Roman temple
of Diana with 14 Corinthian Columns is probably the best preserved in Portugal.
Across from the temple, the Convent Church of Sao Joao Evangelista has a
fine collection of 18th Century "azulejos" and a Manueline altar.
The patronage of the House
of Avis, between the 14th and 16th Centuries, resulted in the construction
of magnificent palaces and the Jesuit University.
Evora Cathedral (Se) is a
blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture with an 18th Century high altar.
The adjoining museum houses an abundance of interesting artifacts and relics.
Also worth a visit is the
bizarre 15th Century Capela dos Ossos whose walls are covered with the
bones of monks.
Approximately 20 kilometres
north of Arraiolos is the tiny village of Pavia with a dolmen so large
that a little 16th Century chapel was built inside it.
Pousada de Arraiolos has
28 standard, 2 superior bedrooms and 2 suites. All with ensuite bathroom, telephone, Cable television, internet connection, mini-bar, safe, hair dryer and bathing gowns. Some of the bedrooms
are inter-connecting.
Facilities include air conditioning,
lift, restaurant, bar, terrace, safe and parking. The Pousada
also has 2 shady cloisters and a beautiful garden, swimming pool, tennis
court and conference facilities.
Dining in Portugal is usually
very good. The restaurants of the Pousada group hotels offer a variety
of dishes including a selection of local and regional specialities.
In the area you will find
various activities including hunting, country walks, bicycle tours, canoeing,
four wheel driving, hot air ballooning, horse riding etc.
The international airport
at Lisbon (Lisboa) is approximately 121 kilometers from this Pousada of
Portugal.
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