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Barrancos
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Located on the left bank of the river Guadiana, the county of Barrancos lies so close to the border that it is no surprise the population's cultural identity has been profoundly influenced by Spain. This fact is visible in the persistence of a local dialect (barranquenho) that mixes Portuguese and Castilian words and of traditions such as bullfights ending with the bulls' death, forbidden elsewhere in Portugal, that are organized each August during the town's popular festivities. During centuries, Barrancos was just a parish of Noudar, an ancient town with a castle dating from the 14th century. The remarkable military fortress with a tall and impressive keep is now in ruins, as well as most of the former seat of the county. At the town of Barrancos, the 18th-century Parish Church exhibits a Baroque altar dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows which is also thought to have belonged to the primitive Noudar church. In contrast, the Nature Park of Noudar represents an innovative project of ecological tourism occupying 1000 hectares of oak plantations, crossed by two rivers and sheltering rare species of fauna and flora. The nature park may be explored through guided visits and also provides overnight accommodation at a traditional Alentejo estate (monte). At table, Barrancos boasts of excellent sausages and cured meats, namely the famous ham made from the region's black pigs, unique in Portugal. Handicrafts offer chairs made of willow and typical basketry.
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