Igreja Real de Sao Francisco, Evora

Advantages: History, World Heritage Site, gastronomy, authenticity
Disadvantages: Distance from main tourism spots

...bones that are here await yours” (Nós ossos que aqui estamos, pelos vossos esperamos). The chapel is an annex to the São Francisco church and is open daily. =Sé (Cathedral)= Completed in the 13th century this cathedral is a mix of roman and gothic style. At the entrance you can see 14th century sculpted apostles, an 18th century altar and an ivory Virgin with a book like body that opens to tell her life in nine episodes, among other art treasures that will certainly appeal to the art lovers. =Praça do Giraldo= This is Évora main square, with cobbled streets and Moorish arcades. The square was named after “Giraldo Sem-Pavor” (the fearless) who threw out the Moors and gave the city to the Portuguese King Don Afonso Henriques. This square is the city’s meeting point, hosting a plethora of small shops, cafés and restaurants... Read review

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Advantages: Nicely restored tourist friendly old town
Disadvantages: The ladies hunt in packs

...Salvador, in the state of Bahia, north east Brazil (or São Salvador da Baía de Todos os Santos as it was named in the past) was the first colonial capital city of Brazil and, although power shifted to Rio de Janeiro in the late eighteenth century, then to Brasilia in 1960, it retains much of it's past grandeur and colonial architecture. One of the main reasons to come here, however, is the wonderful mix of cultural influences that make the cuisine, music and lifestyle here so different even to other parts of Brazil. The population of over three million, consists mainly of people with African origins descended from slaves, although there have been many other strong influences through Salvador's history. Salvador is also famous for it's carnival and street parties. The final stop on my extensive two-week tour of Brazil was to Salvador... Read review

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Advantages: Silence, and Tranquility
Disadvantages: No night life

.... you can cross the main arterias of the city and watch beautifull churches like the "Sé" (cathedral) or Igreja de São Lourenço just nearby "Rua do Comércio" a Comercial pedonal street. Being so near to the Spain border, in the year of 1290, D.Dinis (the Portuguese King) ordered a construction of the city walls with 12 towers and a castle inside. to enter the city there were 7 doors. Now there are only 3 doors left: "porta de Alegrete", porta do Crato" and "porta da Devesa" "porta" is the portuguese word for door. From the castle there are only left 3 towers. In the year of 1550 D João III (the Portuguese King) elevated Portalegre to the status of city for the first time. In the XVIII century Portalegre becomes the Bishops City and by then there's a strong economical development wich also develops the architectural of the city, getting... Read review

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