Description
Pousada do Alvito - 15th-century historic castle
The beautiful Pousada de Alvito is a restored 15th-century castle situated in the midst of the Alentejan plain. An intriguing mix of Mudejar, Manueline and Renaissance architecture with its asymmetric, bowed towers and crenulations, this Pousada is steeped in atmosphere and has a cool, quiet interior. Only the restaurant is modern, and this blends in well with its vaulted gallery and arches overlooking the cobbled courtyard. The rooms are decorated in a contemporary fashion, which still respects the traditional feel of this timeless Pousada. Peacocks strut around the ample and delightfully landscaped grounds, which include an inviting swimming pool.
Please note this hotel isn't bookable online, you can make reservations for this hotel via our team.
Alvito, including the town, the original castle and the surrounding lands, were donated by Alfonso III of Portugal (1248-1279) to his chancellor in about 1255, from whom the castle passed into the hands of the Order of the Trinity. According to a registration mark on the entrance gate, work on the improvements to the castle would have started around 1494 and took about 10 years, commissioned by the second baron of Alvito, D. Diogo Lopes da Silveira. An earthquake in 1755 caused significant damage and the castle was extensively repaired in 1777. It was later given to the realm in 1897, and in the early 20th century was classified as a National Monument, before passing into the hands of the House of Braganza. The castle finally became converted into a substantial and impressive lodging, entering the Pousadas network in 1993.
40 kilometres south of Alvito is the city of Beja, one of the largest in the province of Alentejo. Beja is particularly renowned for the multiple historical buildings it is home to, such as a stunning 13th century castle and a 15th century convent, where an infamous love affair between a nun and a French count took place. The convent is now home to a Regional Museum which boasts an array of different architectural samples: from the Rococo chapel to Gothic portals, visitors will have plenty of things to see.
The Pousada Castelo de Alvito is situated a short distance away from Evora, a city exemplifying Portugal’s perfect blend of modernity and tradition. Known throughout the country for its university which in itself if worth visiting, Evora has the reputation of being a cheerful, lively and development-oriented city. At the same time, the variety of Evora’s majestic historical buildings gives it an undeniable ancestral feel. Among the many cathedrals, aqueducts and castle walls to which Evora’s town centre owes its classification as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, St Francis Church and its well-known Chapel of Bones constitutes an unmissable excursion.
Only an hour’s drive away from the Pousada, the city of Moura offers visitors an additional opportunity to discover Portugal’s picturesque architectural landscape. Whether one chooses to simply stroll along the bright and green streets with their lovely whitewashed maisonettes or to go and investigate Jardim Doutor Santiago, a set of beautiful gardens in the city centre, Moura promises a relaxing time for every traveller.
