MONSARAZ TOURISM GUIDE
A white village with a magical medieval atmosphere
STAY AT A HOTEL IN MONSARAZ »
Monsaraz is a tiny fairytale walled village that maintains a delightful
medieval atmosphere. It was originally fortified by the Knights Templar, and today its 150 or so
permanent residents live in ancient white houses with outdoor staircases and
wrought-iron balconies.
The main street, Rua Direita, lined with 16th and 17th century whitewashed houses, leads to the main square, where the parish church stands along with an unusual 18th century
pillory topped by a sphere of the universe. The church interior contains
gilded altars and painted pillars.
It is worth climbing the granite castle's battlements for eagle's-eye
views of the houses clustered within the village walls
and for the magical landscape of the surrounding countryside.
Within the castle is an unusual arena where bullfights are held several
times a year.
In the region are Iron Age dolmens and menhirs, which were the sites of fertility
rites. The Menhir of Outeiro, 3km (2 miles) north of Monsaraz, is
one of the tallest ever discovered (5.6m/18ft).
Monsaraz is best reached by car, but there's daily bus service from Evora to
nearby Reguengos de Monsaraz, from where there's connection to Monsaraz.
STAY AT A HOTEL IN MONSARAZ »
Places Nearby
Evora -
A museum-town; a Roman temple; prehistoric sites
Vila
Viçosa - Marble extravagance; a royal retreat
Estremoz
- A legendary miracle; a luxury pousada
Elvas -
Impressive military fortifications; a monumental aqueduct
Marvão
- White walled town reaching the sky
Castelo
de Vide - A Jewish enclave; medieval charm
Beja - A
famous 17th century love affair; a lavish old convent
Mértola
- Islam meets Christianity
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AROUND LISBON
AND TAGUS VALLEY Alcobaça Arrábida Azeitão Batalha Cascais Ericeira Estoril Fatima Leiria Mafra Nazaré Obidos Palmela Peniche Queluz Santarém Sesimbra Setubal Sintra Tomar |
ALENTEJO
Beja Castelo de Vide Elvas Estremoz Evora Marvão Mértola Monsaraz Vila Viçosa ALGARVE Albufeira Faro Lagos Sagres Silves Tavira Vila Real de Santo António Vilamoura |
BEIRAS (CENTRAL PORTUGAL)
Aveiro Belmonte Buçaco Coimbra Conimbriga Figueira da Foz Guarda Monsanto Piodão Serra da Estrela Viseu PORTO AND DOURO Amarante Lamego Porto |
MINHO
Barcelos Braga Gerês National Park Guimarães Ponte de Lima Ponte da Barca Viana do Castelo TRAS-OS-MONTES Bragança Chaves Vila Real THE ISLANDS Azores Madeira |