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Vila Real: Palace of Mateus.

are also stunning and elaborate with vineyards and fruit trees, amid
sculptured settings. And, of course, we had a wine tasting.

We passed through terraced vineyards to Viseu where we visited an
olive press. The process was explained to us, and primitive tools and
methods of extracting the oil were on display. Afterwards we tasted
different varieties. Then we visited the Jewish museum, Belmonte.
There was a time when Jews thrived in Portugal and were a definite
asset to the country’s economy and political life. During the Spanish

Inquisition, many fled to Portugal and for a
while were granted asylum. But eventually
the persecution of Jews took place here as
well, and the first auto da fe (act of faith)
was carried out in 1540. Many left, but
some converted or practised their religion
underground, always in fear of being
found out. It was only in 1904 that a new
synagogue was built in Lisbon, about 400
years after the expulsion.

Cork Trees. That afternoon we drove through groves
of cork trees and gum eucalyptus trees.
The latter are fast-growing and many
Portuguese resist their cultivation because
they are not native to Portugal and have
been compared to the rabbits of Australia.
Cork is indigenous and is a relative of the

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