What to see in Monsaraz, a beautiful town in Alentejo (Portugal)

There are towns that by themselves justify a trip to the Alqueva Lake region, on the border of Extremadura and Portugal, and without a doubt Monsaraz is one of them, which together with Olivenza They are the two most important enclaves of it.

It is a walled medieval village which rises at the top of a hill, and which, without a doubt, is one of the most beautiful towns in Portugal.

And it should not surprise you that in this area there is a town with so much charm.

In addition to the aforementioned Olivenza On the Spanish side, you should know that you are in the Portuguese region of Alentejo, where there are many others pretty towns, for example, marvao o Vide Castle.

Monsaraz It is a small town White Houses full of history, which also currently serves as the perfect viewpoint over the Alqueva Lake.

Curiosities about the history of Monsaraz

The origins of Monsaraz They date back to Lusitanian settlements that were later occupied by the Romans or Muslims, as early as the 8th century.

The current configuration of Monsaraz They date back to the 13th century, when Alfonso III behind the Reconquest, after passing through Arab hands several times, built a castle.

From the time of the Muslims, in various excavations several tombs have been found that are oriented towards Mecca

Several would be added to this fortification. defensive walls since, I remember you, Monsaraz It is located in a border area where there were battles for many centuries.

Monsaraz It is one of the parishes of the municipality of the region of Reguengos de Monsaraz, which was where political power was between 1272 and 1850.

Until the end of the 19th century it was one of the most important, imposing and best preserved castles in the south of the tagus river.

This is the experience of visiting Monsaraz, the best things to see and do

after the recent experience of our visit, when you get to Monsaraz during your trip through the Alentejo, you will see that it is a small town of barely 900 inhabitants, although in recent times it has become a prominent tourist enclave in the area.

La Monsaraz wall It has five medieval stone doors, Gothic and Romanesque, of which until recently only four were known, but a few years ago some archeology students discovered the fifth door, which to this day still has no name.

En MonsarazIn addition to the castle and the wall, there are four churches, something surprising given the small land on which it is built, but which show the historical power that this small Portuguese town enjoyed.

There are two other important points to visit in Monsaraz, the cool of judge of both faces and House of the Inquisition, which is a tribute to the Jewish presence in the town.

We must not forget that, according to the writings, several people were burned at the stake here. monsarences accused of heresy.

Map: where Monsaraz is and how to get there

Monsaraz It is an hour away by car south of the border town of Elvaswhere you can get from Badajoz.

Photos of Monsaraz in Alentejo

Here you have more photos of the beautiful town of Monsaraz, in the Alentejo of Portugal.