Monsaraz, a 12th-century fortified village perched on a hill, overlooks the Spanish-Portuguese border once witnessed the battles between the Moors and the Christians. The River Guadiana winds its way through a truly majestic Alentejo landscape of rolling pastures planted with cork oaks, olive groves, vineyards and dotted with granite rocks for as far as the eye can see. Its cobbled streets are scented with gum rockroses, while its whitewashed houses, seven churches, castle, pillory, spectacular old square and noble houses give the impression that time has stood still here. I was blown away by this site, where history, culture and landscapes change with the seasons and are magnified by the local people’s hospitality and kindness.
The Casa da Cima is a small traditional house located inside the city walls on one of the narrow main pedestrianised shale streets. Its foundations date back to the 12th century and were modified several times up until the 18th century, as the citadel developed. The walls are lime and the floor is shale. Its distinctive features include two large windows and a terrace providing panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The house, which faces west, promises memorable sunsets. Although the house is small and simple, it needed a long period of restoration to breathe new life into it and make it comfortable and welcoming, in summer and winter alike. I called on the brilliant decorator Alexandre Neimann from Barracuda Interiors in Lisbon.
The village dates back to prehistoric times. Monsaraz passed through various hands before finally falling into the hands of the Knights Templar in 1232 during the Reconquista. Under Arabic rule from the 8th to the 13th century, this ancient Roman oppidum got its name from Xeraz or Xerez in Arabic, which gives Saris or Sharish, the name of the gum rockrose tree found there. These lands were also home to the Celts, and beautiful megalithic monuments such as dolmens and menhirs rise from the plains all around. The Évora region is also home to a number of megaliths, some of which, dating back 5 000 years, are older than Stonehenge. For example, Cromlech des Almendres.
Total relaxation in a traditional house, carefully redesigned to offer every comfort in the heart of a beautifully preserved village. A soothing retreat at the end of long days exploring the region. Starting out from Monsaraz, there are a number of hiking routes to explore in the footsteps of our ancestors: the Megalithic Route, the Forts and Fortifications route to discover the architecture and Baroque art of the Alentejo, and the Wine Route around Reguengos de Monsaraz, whose wines are among the most renowned in Portugal. What's more, we are ideally located for discovering towns and villages brimming with architectural treasures.
In Monsaraz, the “Fabricaal” shop sells Alentejana-style weaving, while “Casa Tial” sells local produce. Restaurants: "Sem Fim", an old oil press transformed into a restaurant, bar and art gallery; "Taberna Gato Preto", for delicious typical Alentejo dishes. Visit and taste the olive oil and organic wines of the "Herdade do Esporão" and its Michelin-starred restaurant. The museum of sacred art in Monsaraz, the "Cromeleques do Xerez". "São Pedro do Corval”, Portugal's largest pottery centre. Lake Alqueva, an inland sea covering 250 km², promises adventure with its picturesque beaches and water sports activities.
The front door opens onto the kitchen. To the right there is a bedroom with a fireplace; to the left, the lounge leads to a second bedroom with a bathroom. This room has a large fireplace and patio doors providing access to the terrace. From the kitchen, a narrow staircase with a low ceiling and uneven steps leads down to the lower floor, where there is a toilet and laundry room.
ref 391902
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