Located 18 km north of Estremoz, the sleepy country town of
Sousel is a good base from which to explore the central Alentejo
region.
The town is closely associated with Nuno Álvares Pereira,
who rallied his troops there prior to the victorious Battle
of Atoleiros, which took place on 6 April, 1384.
What to see. Dating back to the 15th century, the church of
Nossa Senhora da Orada marks the spot where Nuno Álvares
Pereira put fire in the belly of his soldiers prior to leadint
them into battle.
The large main square is where traders in the bustling Saturday
market sell everything from olives and cheeses to the locally
produced red earthenware pottery.
Held over the last weekend of August, Sousel’s annual
religious festival happens in Largo da Igreja da Nossa Senhora
da Orada, while the yearly Feira de São Miguel takes
place on the last weekend in September.
Nearby. 17 kilometres south of Sousel lies the picturesque town
of Estremoz, whose surroundings are rich in high quality marble,
evidence of which can be seen in many of the local buildings.
