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Castle · Monsaraz, Évora
Vila e Castelo de Monsaraz
Walled medieval village on top of a hill, with schist-paved streets and white houses, and a 13th-century castle that houses a bullring within the walls. The view reaches the Grande Lago Alqueva and Spain.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Vila e Castelo de Monsaraz
Monsaraz was conquered from the Moors in 1167 by Geraldo Sem Pavor and later handed over to the Templars. The castle, with its keep tower, was reinforced at the end of the 13th century, during the reign of D. Dinis.
The whole village lies within the walls, with two main streets of whitewashed houses, schist-paved sidewalks, the Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Lagoa and the Casa da Inquisição.
Inside the castle walls there is a small bullring, still used during festivals. From the top of the tower and the walls, the view covers the Grande Lago Alqueva, the islands formed by the water and, on the other side, Spain.
The Museu do Fresco, in an old village house, preserves a medieval mural painting called Fresco do Bom e do Mau Juiz.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One to two hours.
Best time
In the late afternoon, for the light over the lake and the plain. At night, the village is empty and the sky is usually starry.
How to get there
It's about 50 km from Évora by car. The car park is outside the walls, and the village is explored on foot.
Tip
Climb the castle tower for the Alqueva view. The schist pavements are uneven: wear sturdy shoes.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Vila e Castelo de Monsaraz
Is there a bullring in the castle of Monsaraz?
Yes, inside the walls, still used for festivals.
What can you see from the castle?
The Grande Lago Alqueva, the Alentejo plain and Spain.
What is the Fresco do Bom e do Mau Juiz?
A medieval mural painting exhibited in the Museu do Fresco, in the village.