"Monsaraz" Top 5 Page for this destination Monsaraz by johnsakura

Monsaraz Travel Guide: 88 reviews and 262 photos

Monsaraz

monsaraz alentejo portugal

Perched above the River Guardiana on the frontier with Spain, the tiny medieval walled town of Monsaraz is one of the most atmospheric places in the Alentejo. With its narrow cobbled lanes, low-rise old houses and an imposing castle, visitors are offered a feel of medieval Portugal in one of the oldest places in the country.
Monsaraz has been inhabited since prehistoric times as the Celts, Romans, Visigoths and Moors each took full advantage of the hill's defensive potential. Regained from the Moors in 1167, the town was handed over to the Knights Templar before Dom Dinis added the castle and fortified walls in the 14th century. From the ramparts you can gaze east over the Guadiana to neighbouring Spain, or west across the great plains of the Alentejo.
What to see. The parish church of Santa Maria do Castelo houses an ornate marble tomb dating from the 13th century. Next door is a religious museum containing a 14th-century fresco of a judge being simultaneously tempted by the devil and encouraged by the majestic justice of Christ.
Nearby.

monsaraz alentejo portugal

A number of interesting prehistoric monuments exist in the surrounding areas of Monsaraz, including the spectacular Menhir of Outeiro which stands almost 6 metres tall.

Last visit to Monsaraz: Jan 2004
Intro Updated Jan 29, 2004
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (35)

monsaraz history portugal alentejo - Monsaraz

Alberto Monsaraz, 1889-1959 Local Customs (4)

2nd Count of Monsaraz. Graduated from the Law Faculty at Coimbra University. As a militant monarchist and founding... more travel advice

Anta Megalith Monument Off The Beaten Path (2)

In the surrounding area of Monsaraz are several fascinating surviving megalith monuments that are comparatively easy to... more travel advice

Jewish Quarter Things to Do (12)

The Jewish quarter was in the immediate vicinity of the Rua Direita, close to the Igreja de Santiago original layout of'... more travel advice

Outside wall bird sculpture Things to Do (12)

more travel advice

Shopping (2)
See All Cabaças

Favorites (15)
See All Village Gate

Comments (9)

Reply
- Report abuse
angiebabe Dec 27, 2008 at 3:11 AM

I really wanted to get here on my previous trips to Portugal but the joy of VT I can at least travel here virtually thanks for your page!Is there snow here in the winter if I travelled there Jan or Feb?want to next see Portugal with a snow look!
Reply
- Report abuse
freya_heaven Jul 24, 2004 at 7:55 AM

Such a picturesque little place, Great Page, Well Done (~_~)
Reply
- Report abuse
quartinb Mar 1, 2004 at 1:47 PM

bonito destino de portugal...!
Reply
- Report abuse
mabrain Mar 1, 2004 at 9:36 AM

nice. i also love this place...
Reply
- Report abuse
Docu2001 Feb 2, 2004 at 5:22 PM

I love this damn place !! One of my favorite spots on the planet ... Bravo!
Reply
- Report abuse
Mique Jan 30, 2004 at 3:55 AM

Never even heard of this palce before. But now definitely added to my must-see list
Reply
- Report abuse
mcb Jan 28, 2004 at 3:16 PM

além de tudo mais adoro ir a Monsaraz comer cabrito... é do melhor!!!
Reply
- Report abuse
ncfg Aug 8, 2003 at 10:36 AM

Para a próxima semana vou ao Alentejo, espero ter tempo de visitar Monsaraz. Obrigada pelos "tips".
Reply
- Report abuse
teresopinha Jul 28, 2003 at 7:23 AM

As fotos são muito boas!... Dá mesmo vontade de visitar o Alentejo...