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. A number of interesting prehistoric exist in
the surrounding areas of Monsaraz, including the spectacular
Menhir of Outeiro which stands almost 6 metres tall. Tthe little
village of São Pedro do Corval 12 km to the west is popular
for its pots, plates and other locally produced ceramics.
