Monsaraz

Medieval village, the most ancient in the Reguengos de Monsaraz Borough, right in the heart of the Alentejo region, Monsaraz has human occupation vestiges since pre-historical times, and was in its origins as a locality, a fortified hill fort.

In 1157 Monsaraz was conquered from the Moors by Geraldo Geraldes “o Sem Pavor” (the Fearless), in 1167 the locality was donated to the Templars and in 1319 to the Order of Christ.
For centuries, the Monsaraz Castle had a very important role guarding the Guadiana river, and thus the border with Spain.

Monsaraz is surrounded by an astonishing landscape, and from the top of the Castle one can appreciate all its splendour.
All the same, Monsaraz possess valuable and beautiful monuments, based in schist painted in bright white buildings, with houses coming up and down the hill, in a magical environment that seems to have been lost in time. The Nossa Senhora da Lagoa Church (16th and 17th century), the former Town Hall (“Antigos Paços da Audiência”) from the 14th and 15th century, the São Bento Chapel, or the São Gens do Xarez Tower or even, outside the village walls, the Santa Catarina de Monsaraz Chapel, are worth to be known.