Monsaraz, belonging to the municipality of Reguengos de Monsaraz in the 'Alto Alentejo', is a true medieval portrait. Located on top of a hill, overlooking Spain and the Guadiana River / Alqueva Reservoir, Monsaraz is a village that everyone should visit - and one of our favorites in the Alentejo. The small town, with around 800 inhabitants, can be visited in a couple of hours.
It has a long history, marked by wars with the Moors. In 1232 it was reclaimed for good with the help of the Templars / Order of the Temple, to whom the town was donated for defense and repopulation. Initially the seat of the municipality, it ended up being somewhat neglected from 1838 onwards when the seat was changed to Reguengos de Monsaraz. However, the inhabitants did not allow this town to be lost and today, when you walk through it, you can feel its essence.
In 2017 Monsaraz won the 7 Wonders of Portugal - Villagesin the category of Monument Villages. Of the 6 villages we've already had the pleasure of visiting, Monsaraz is our favorite (with Piódão close behind).
When you arrive in Monsaraz, near the parking lot there is an art installation called Monument in Honor of 'Cante Alentejano' (Typical singing technique of the region). Apart from the monument's funny structure, the view from it is incredible. From here, climb a little further until you reach the Monsaraz parking lot. From here, it's time to enter the village.
When you finish the ascent, you'll immediately have an idea of the wonder you're about to encounter: the town is entirely enclosed by a grandiose wall that surrounds it until it comes together at the end of the town, around the Castle. Although we recommend entering through Town Gate because it is the main one and gives a more “linear” view of the town, there are also the Évora Gate (to the north) and the Alcoba and Buraco Gates.
The first sensation when you pass the town gate is that of an authentic “village”: the houses are all painted white, the cars are few, the streets are divided and the ground is all uneven in traditional schist. Look to your left and you'll see an imposing clock tower (in the typical white color of this village), still with the bell from 1692.
Around here, and as is common in this type of destination, we recommend that you wander the streets without much of a destination and check out the local stores.
On the central street that connects the Town Gate to the Castle you will reach the Dom Nuno Álvares Pereira Square, where you'll find theParish Church of Nossa Senhora da Lagoa. This is a 16th-century building that replaced the original 13th-century church due to the need to build a larger church where the local population could be buried during the Black Death. The current church is in the Renaissance style and has three aisles. Church hours are normally from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. from April to September, and from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. from October to March.
Monsaraz is an ancient medieval town, located on the border with Spain and with a privileged view over the Alqueva reservoir
Next to the church you'll find the Town pillorybuilt in the 18th century to replace the one destroyed in the 1755 earthquake. This new pillory was built in great detail using white marble from Estremoz, making use of some parts of the original construction.
Arriving at the end of the wall, and after passing some craft stores, you'll reach the Monsaraz Castle.
Although we found the whole village very well maintained, the castle is a little more damaged by time.
Built by King Dinis in the 14th century, this castle was deactivated from its military functions around 1830. Since then, its square of arms has given way to a bullring, where the festivities of 'Nosso Senhor Jesus dos Passos' are held, including a bullfight. Don't forget to climb the keep and enjoy the surrounding landscape. From all around the castle you also have an impressive view of the Alqueva reservoir.
Further away, on a side street, there is also the old Inquisition House and now the Interactive Center of Jewish History in Monsaraz.
Monsaraz is a magical village that really deserves to be included in any guidebook for visitors to the 'Alentejo'. Together with Marvão, it has won our hearts and are the two destinations we always recommend to anyone visiting the region. You can find out more about the attractions in and around the village of Monsaraz on the Reguengos de Monsaraz Town Hall website here..
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