Since olive groves are the most common landscape in the region of Alentejo, a visit to one was a must. Thanks to it we could get to know the whole process of growing olives, oil production, the differences between virgin and refined oil, traditional and intensive farming etc. The company Herdade de Castros that we visited, takes pride in their long lasting tradition of creating high quality olive oil from their own olives. The grove and the factory we visited are a perfect example of sustainablility in the proces of olive growth and oil production contrasted with the intensive farms that are mostly profit oriented and harmful to the environment.
To complete this knowledge, we visited an olive oil museum (Museu Lagar). Erasmus+ projects give an opportunity to immerse in the culture and traditions of the country. Thus we learnt that in Campo Maior paper flowers play an important role. In the house of flowers (Museu Aberto e Casa das Flores) we could see an astounding exhibition of floral arrangements, find out about the impressive yearly flower festiwal, and take part in paper flower making workshops. It was such fun!
