Traditional Cherry Liquor of Portugal

The Ginja (cherry liquor) M.S.R. Alcobaca emerged in the decade of the 20’s of the twentieth century by the hands of Manuel de Sousa Ribeiro, challenging the traditional homemade cherry liquor’s that fell outside Alcobaca, especially in the monastery of Santa Maria, proposed to make the best of liquors.

Known mainly for its bottle, of a conical shape, the Ginja MSR follows the formula of a single manufacturing, which remains unchanged until today, a craft process. For the rich flavour of liquor ruby ring smoothness contributes to the quality of the fruit manually collected only once a year in the area of Alcobaca and neighbouring counties, and the secular tradition of the Cistercian monks, who took advantage of the temperate climate and unique conditions in the region, strongly influenced by the proximity of the sea.

The history, characteristics and curiosities of what is already one of the symbols of Alcobaca, truly appreciated by thousands of tourists who pass throughout the year, are now on the Internet, on a site created by the company responsible for its production.

At www.ginja.pt is still possible to make orders and access to tips for a better tasting of the cherry liquor or as we say in the Silver Coast and Portugal, Ginja.

Silver Coast “samples” the IX Fair of Handicrafts and Flavours

Until April 30 the inscriptions are open to the participation of artisans in the IX^th Handicrafts and Flavours Fair, at Sobral de Monte Agraco – Silver Coast of Portugal.

The fair will take place in the Parque Verde das Bandorreiras, on the 7^th and 8^th of June and will include music, art as well as street animation throughout the week-end.

Entries must be made in the Municipal Library of Sobral de Monte Agraco through the location Rua (street) do Municipio, 2590-038 Sobral de Monte Agraco, the phone number 261948265 or by fax 261948266.

Silver Coast, New Shopping Centre inspired by local culture

The future shopping center that Sonae Sierra intends to build between the hypermarket Modelo and the Health Centre of Caldas da Rainha is inspired by the legacy of Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro, a famous figure of the town.

The request for prior information given by the company in the local City Council has presented the study pictures of a North-American company based in Texas - the fd2s - with clear references to Ze Povinho and other creations by Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro.

The Rainha Shopping provides throughout its surrounding images of the universe of the ceramist, according to a protocol that Sonae Sierra signed with the Faiancas Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro. "We want the local habitants to review the local heritage in our building, and recognize what is their tradition and their culture," explained in prior note.

According to the initial designs submitted by the Texan company, Ze Povinho, tiles and ceramics from Faiancas will decorate the future shopping centre.

The fd2s has worked with Sonae in preparing the project for a shopping in Campinas, Brazil. The park D. Pedro is "the first shopping centre of thematic and specialized "of the country, according to its presentation on the Internet "The pioneer model of the Park D. Pedro is allied to the welfare and entertainment of the local community and special concern with the environment, "added.

As to the draft architecture, it is now the responsibility of Quintela Jose da Fonseca, after the Department of Planning and Urbanism (DPU) of City Council, raising some doubts about the integration planning and excessive volume the first draft presented.

The new project is more appealing to the Mayor, according to Gazeta,. But still there is no official position on the prior information.

Sonae Sierra refers, in the document presented, that they want to "develop a building 'icon', a landmark for the city, with a design of rounded forms, vertical development in terraces, with the clear objective of reducing the visual volume." Flower pots were made with natural landscaping, "thus removing the impact that the three floors could create regarding the street and passers-by."

The air link between the new building and Modelo Hypermarket, considered crucial in terms of trade and use, "is also an event in terms of Urban Design and Design." According to the images available, the impact of such air link in the new proposal is smaller than the previous one, because it is done in an area below.

The planned investment in the project is estimated of 50 million. The prior information submitted will now be examined by the DPU and the city council executive.

Oeste - New Shopping Centre in Caldas da Rainha

New Shopping Centre in Caldas da Rainha will be called "Vivaci"

The FDO Group presented the new Shopping Centre project - "Vivaci" in Caldas da Rainha, construction should be concluded by autumn of next year.

Located in full heart of the city, in place of the old Lisbonense Hotel, this structure has the main purpose to provide modern and exciting new commerce, more suitable to the growing needs of the local and visiting population of the Silver Coast (Oeste), West region of Portugal.

With about 70 stores, between which a supermarket of great dimension, the Vivaci Shopping Centre of Caldas da Rainha will have five movie theatres and 14 restaurants, distributed along four commercial floors. The overall investment is around 34, 6 million euros and will allow the establishment of, approximately, one thousand jobs.