Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Igreja Matriz
( 10am-6pm) The parish church, near the turismo, was rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake
and again a century later. Inside (if you can get in, hours can be vague) is an impressive
nave and a 14th-century marble tomb carved with 14 saints. An 18th- century pelourinho
(stone pillory) topped by a Manueline globe stands outside. The 16th-century Igreja da
Misericórdia is opposite, but is rarely open.
CHURCH
Museu de Arte Sacra
(Museum of Sacred Art; admission €1.80; 10am-6pm) Housed inside a fine Gothic building beside
the parish church, this museum has a small collection of 14th-century wooden religious
figures and 18th-century vestments and silverware. Its most famous exhibit is a rare ex-
ample of a 14th-century secular fresco, a charming piece depicting a good and a bad
judge, the latter appropriately two-faced.
MUSEUM
CASTLE
Castelo
( 24hr) The castle at the southwestern end of the village was one in the chain of Dom
Dinis' defensive fortresses along the Spanish border. It's now converted into a small bull-
ring, and its ramparts offer a fine panoramic view over the Alentejan plains.
Barragem do Alqueva
(per person €50, discount for a group) A great way to explore the Barragem do Alqueva is by boat.
Capitão Tiago ( 962 653 711; www.sem-fim.com ; Telheiro; per person €50 ) runs excellent voyages in
his 17m Dutch sail boat. Several trips are available - the standard is two hours with the
chance to swim and visit some of the islands. Other packages include a meal at Tiago's
restaurant, Sem Fim ( 962 653 711; www.sem-fim.com ; Rua das Flores 6A, Telheiro; lunch & dinner Fri-
Sun Oct-May, Wed-Mon Jun-Sep) . You can also rent bikes and canoes (per day €25). Telheiro is
about 2km from Monsaraz.
BOAT TOUR
Festivals & Events
Accommodation must be booked far in advance at the times these events are on.
Museu Aberto
Monsaraz heaves with jollity during its week-long Museu Aberto (Open Museum) music
festival, held in July in even- numbered years.
MUSIC
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