Alentejo

Alentejo
Urgup-tur · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Name	Alentejo
Country	Portugal

Alentejo is a region in southern Portugal, bordered by the Tagus River to the north, the Guadiana River to the east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. The region is characterized by its rolling hills, vast plains, and rich cultural heritage, with influences from the Moorish occupation of the Iberian Peninsula, the Roman Empire, and the Age of Discovery. The capital of Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a major urban center in the region, known for its well-preserved Roman Temple of Évora and the Évora Cathedral. The region is also home to the Serra de São Mamede mountain range, which is part of the Natura 2000 network, and the Guadiana Valley Natural Park, which is a protected area under the Council of Europe's European Diploma of Protected Areas.

Geography

The geography of the region is diverse, with the Serra de São Mamede mountain range in the northeast, and the Plains of the Alentejo in the south. The region is drained by several major rivers, including the Tagus River, the Guadiana River, and the Sado River, which flow into the Atlantic Ocean. The Alqueva Dam, a major hydroelectric dam on the Guadiana River, is one of the largest dams in Europe, and is managed by the EDP – Energias de Portugal. The region's climate is characterized by hot summers and mild winters, with influences from the Mediterranean climate and the Atlantic climate. The Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera (IPMA) is responsible for monitoring the region's climate and weather patterns, in cooperation with the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

History

The history of the region dates back to the Prehistoric Iberia, with evidence of human habitation found in the Cromeleque dos Almendres, a megalithic site near Évora. The region was later inhabited by the Tartessians, a pre-Roman civilization, and was later conquered by the Roman Empire, which established the province of Lusitania. The region was also influenced by the Moorish occupation of the Iberian Peninsula, which introduced Islamic architecture and Agriculture in the Middle Ages. The Battle of Ourique in 1139 was a major turning point in the region's history, as it marked the beginning of the Reconquista and the establishment of the Kingdom of Portugal. The region is also home to the Castle of Marvão, a medieval fortress that was built by the Knights Templar and is now a National Monument of Portugal.

Economy

The economy of the region is primarily based on Agriculture in Portugal, with major crops including Olive oil, Cork (material), and Wheat. The region is also known for its Viticulture, with several major Wineries producing high-quality Port wine and other Wines of Portugal. The Agricultural University of Lisbon and the Instituto Superior de Agronomia (ISA) are major institutions that provide research and education in the field of agriculture. The region is also home to several major industrial centers, including the Port of Sines, a major Seaport that handles cargo and Containerization. The Banco Português de Fomento (BPF) and the Caixa Geral de Depósitos (CGD) are major financial institutions that provide support to the region's economy.

Culture

The culture of the region is rich and diverse, with influences from the Folk music of Portugal, the Fado, and the Cante Alentejano. The region is home to several major cultural festivals, including the Festa de Santo António in Lisbon and the Festa do Avante! in Setúbal. The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and the Fundação Oriente are major cultural institutions that provide support to the region's cultural activities. The region is also home to several major museums, including the National Museum of Ancient Art and the Museu Calouste Gulbenkian, which showcase the region's rich cultural heritage. The University of Évora and the Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal (IPS) are major institutions that provide education and research in the field of culture.

Tourism

The region is a popular tourist destination, with several major attractions, including the Évora Cathedral, the Roman Temple of Évora, and the Megalithic Monuments of Almendres. The region is also home to several major Beaches of Portugal, including the Costa Vicentina and the Algarve. The Turismo de Portugal and the Associação de Hotéis de Portugal (AHP) are major institutions that provide support to the region's tourism industry. The region is also home to several major events, including the Festival de Música de Évora and the Feira de São João in Portimão. The Aeródromo de Évora and the Aeroporto de Beja are major airports that provide access to the region.

Subregions

The region is divided into several subregions, including the Alto Alentejo, the Baixo Alentejo, and the Lezíria do Tejo. The Alto Alentejo is a subregion in the northeast of the region, which includes the Serra de São Mamede mountain range and the Guadiana Valley Natural Park. The Baixo Alentejo is a subregion in the south of the region, which includes the Plains of the Alentejo and the Costa Vicentina. The Lezíria do Tejo is a subregion in the northwest of the region, which includes the Tagus River valley and the Sado River estuary. The Associação de Municípios do Alentejo (AMAL) and the Comunidade Intermunicipal do Alentejo Central (CIMAC) are major institutions that provide support to the region's subregions. The European Union's NUTS:PT classification system is used to define the region's subregions, which are also recognized by the Instituto Nacional de Estatística (INE) and the Banco de Portugal.