The best traffic-free bike rides in Évora

For the Portuguese, Olivenza is Portuguese land, since it was taken by the Spanish during the Napoleonic Wars and should have been returned, but this never happened. Currently, Portugal offers Portuguese nationality to all Olivenza residents who request it and prove they had Portuguese ancestors. Mixed marriages have always existed, and neither the Portuguese nor the Spanish are interested in waging war. This is a lesson for humanity: a disputed territory that unites two brotherly peoples.

What to see in Olivenza Castle and Keep A 13th-century Templar fortress, later expanded by the Portuguese. The Keep is 36-40 meters tall and offers spectacular views of the historic center. Bastioned Walls and Historic Gates The Alconchel Gate and the Calvary Gate are the most emblematic. Walk along the bastions and discover the star-shaped defensive structure. Manueline Churches Santa María del Castillo: altarpiece of the Tree of Jesse and Portuguese tiles. Santa María Magdalena: spectacular Manueline portal and twisted columns inside. Museums González Santana Ethnographic Museum of Extremadura: local history and traditions. Papercraft Museum: original and intriguing, ideal for a quick visit. Historic Center Cobblestone streets, squares such as Plaza de España and Plaza de la Constitución, and buildings adorned with Portuguese tiles.

Olivenza is a historical and cultural gem in the province of Badajoz, with a unique blend of Spanish and Portuguese influences. Olivenza was Portuguese for over 500 years (1297-1801) and still preserves bilingual inscriptions and Portuguese architecture. Portugal continues to symbolically claim sovereignty, even though the town is fully integrated into Spain.

Olivença was Portuguese territory until 1801, when it was captured by the Spanish. It should have been returned to Portugal, but that never happened... Fortunately, this is an example that an open border between two countries doesn't always lead to war. For the Portuguese, Olivença remains Portuguese. This is an example for humanity... on both sides live people who only want to raise their children in peace and prosperity...

One of the arts that you shouldn't miss when visiting Estremoz is the Production of Clay Figures from Estremoz, which has been part of the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2014 and has been a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity since 07-12-2017. This city is also home to the Cavalry Regiment No. 3, which, with its soldiers, has brought a lot of activity to a small city in the Alentejo countryside over the years.

Estremoz is a Portuguese city located in the district of Évora, in Alto Alentejo, known as the "marble capital" of Portugal. It is divided into two parts: a medieval upper town, enclosed by walls, with old white houses and an imposing castle (the Castle of Queen Santa Isabel, which houses a Pousada), and a lower town with eighteenth-century fortifications. Estremoz is famous for its white marble quarries, which have made Portugal a major world exporter, and for its traditional terracotta crafts, especially the "puppets" (Bonecos de Estremoz), a UNESCO Intangible Heritage. The city hosts a lively weekly farmers' market.

A suspension bridge that looks very similar to the "25 de Abril" bridge. This bridge predates the Lisbon bridge. Originally, the roadway was made of pine wood. Currently, it is made of metal.

partial view of Estremoz castle