A Commanding Position and other Monsaraz, Portugal Things to Do Tips

A short and very enjoyable ride east from Evora found us only a few kms short of the Spanish border when we spotted the hilltop village and fortress of Monsaraz. This was our first goal of the day and we were very pleased with both the weather and the countryside in which this border fortification was located. Because of its stategic location, this has long been a scene of struggle for control. Originally a Moorish stronghold, it was captured from them in 1167 by Geraldo Sem-Pavor and, in gratitude, was handed over to the militant Knights Templar as a base. Over the next two hundred years various battles between Spain and Portugal were waged here as part of their border wars.

Leave a Comment

Directions: Take the N256 due east from Evora headed for the border town of Mourao.

To help maintain its medieval character, Monsaraz is off-limits to cars within its walls during the daytime. The road that winds up the hillside from the Alentejo plains ends at a large parking lot, from which entrance can be gained on foot through this gate in the walls that surround the village. The two tower gates seem oddly out of balance with only one of them having a square tower perched atop the circular battlements. The present day walls and keeps of Monsaraz were added by Dom Dinis in the 1300s and they are still maintained in fine shape today!

Leave a Comment

Address: Monsaraz

The old streets of Monsaraz fall away toward the walls on either side of the village as you walk the short distance from the main gate to the other end of town, where the massive keep is perched to keep a wary eye on the Spaniards in the distance! Unlike the small square hand-cut stone streets common in most Portugese towns and villages, the streets here are paved with flat shale stones, made from the same material as the castle walls.

We were in Monsaraz during late morning of a weekday in May, so it was very enjoyable to amble along these nearly deserted streets at a leisurely pace, taking in the atmosphere of this amazingly well-preserved part of Portugese history.

Leave a Comment

Address: Monsaraz

The section of the village walls closest to the Spanish border was further fortified with this 'castle keep'. Comprising this main tower as well as a couple of smaller ones with a gated wall separating this complex from the remainder of the walled village, this area would be the last line of defence in case the village itself was over-run. To the lower left, the large gate leading back into the tower is where bulls make their entrance for the occasional bullfights that are held here (see Sports Travel tips).

Leave a Comment

Address: Monsaraz

It was a beautiful day to be perched high above the Alentejo plains. Here, we have a great view out of one of the tower windows with the River Guadiana spread out below as part of the headpond of a nearby hydro dam. Also, even closer in is the local cemetary with many ornately carved tombstones visible. Also visible is the road that winds its way up to the village after you turn off the main N256 highway between Evora and Mourao.

Leave a Comment

Address: Monsaraz

Monsaraz was no exception compared to many of the Portugese villages that we visited on our trip. The streets were a pleasure to behold, painted a brilliant white in the sunshine and splashed with colour from window flower pots or bougainvillea vines clinging to the walls. The tiled roofs and cobbles streets make touring Portugese towns and villages a real visual treat - especially on a bright and sunny day! In the background is the top of the lone tower beside the main gate to the village.

Leave a Comment

Address: Monsaraz