History and Handicraft

Located in an area of beautiful landscapes and inserted in a rural environment, surrounded by centuries of history, the Guerreiros do Rio River Hotel is undoubtedly a reference in the region.

 The Guadiana river has marked its local activities and the origin of its name is linked to the period of Roman domination, known then as the river “Ana or Anas”. Later the Arab occupation changes its name to “Vadiana”, which later derives to Guadiana.

Through this river have passed all the invaders of the Peninsula, Greeks, Phoenicians, Carthageneses, Romans and Arabs, who knew the richness of the lower Alentejo ore, where one finds today the Sao Domingos mines.

 

Ancient traditional craftsmanship is still in use today in the villages of Alcoutim council, where wooden looms still produce the colorful rag quilts, comforters and linen tablecloths. 

Baskets weaved with straws that grow on the Guadiana banks still occupy the spare time of craftsmen.

It is very interesting to watch the work of the saddlers, who handcraft saddles and harnesses with straw and wool tread in the villages of Gioes and Pereiro.

Alcoutim’s rich craftsmanship is completed in Martinlongo, where one can find pieces made of brass, wood, wicker and above all the jute dolls, enacting several typical rural chores.