| Álcacer
do Sal - Alcácer do Sal was conquered by many different peoples.
Before the Roman occupation it was called Eviom and had trade with the
Mediterranean countries. The Romans called it Salatia Urbs Imperatoria,
bearing the coin stamp and with the same rights as the cities of Antigo
Lácio. Alcácer also was capital city of the Visigothic
municipality, it was dominated by the Arabs at the end of the 8th century
and then became one of the most important trade cities in the peninsula.
It was conquered by the Vikings at the end of the 10th century. D. Afonso
Henriques, the first king of Portugal, tried to conquer it in 1158, but
it only became a Portuguese village in 1217 with King Afonso II. King Manuel
I married Princess D. Maria (the Spanish Catholic King's daughter), in
Alcácer do Sal in 1500. By this time, the castle built by the Arabs
had no military purpose any longer, and so became a Carmelita de Aracelli
convent during the 16th century. This Pousada is set in its thousand
year old castle overlooking the valley where cork, rice and pine-nuts are
produced. |
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Pousada
de Álcacer do Sal Dom Afonso II, Álcacer do Sal
Style: Historic Design
Pousada w/pool formerly an old castle
The Pousada Alcácer
do Sal Hotel, D. Afonso II, is a luxury hotel situated in the thousand
year old Alcácer castle that overlooks the river Sado, which runs
through a vast green valley. At this site, with 5000 years of History,
that go back to the later Neolithic period, we come across a variety of
important
cultural remains, such as Phoenician, Arab or even Roman. The restaurant
of the Pousada D. Afonso II in Alcácer, decorated with modern elements,
surrounded by a mystic ambiance, offers fantastic meals. |
| Alvito
- Busy region since the Roman time, of which archaeological vestiges
are diverse, the first documentary references are found from the donation
of this area, from Alfonso III of Portugal (1248-1279) to his chancellor-mor,
Estevão Anes, about 1255. Alvito housed the sovereign in 1265,
getting, according to custom, the inherent privileges, confirmed for letter-regal.
Without heirs, Estevão Anes bequeathed in will to the Order of the
Trindade, the town, the castle and the lands of Alvito, what indicates
the existence of a structure of previous blockhouse in the place, to the
time. The progress of the village is certified by the institution,
in 1296, of an annual fair. In 1475, D. Afonso V (1438-1481) granted
the title of baron of Alvito to Fernandes João da Silveira , employee
whose descendants would come to be titleholders as marquises. Few years
later, in 1482 , the sovereign granted to the baron and its wife the right
to construct to a castle, granting to them the landlord of the village
and the neighbouring towns there. |
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Pousada
de Alvito, Castelo de Alvito, Alvito
Style: Historic Pousada
w/pool Formerly a 15 C. Castle
With the restoration of
an unusual 15th century castle in Alvito, the beautiful Pousada Alvito
Hotel was born. The castle is presented as a building of military architecture
and residence, where is possible to identify Islamic gothic and manuelina
influences. The Pousada is a historic luxury hotel that honours the
culture of the region, not only by its atmosphere, but also by its traditional
gastronomy and wines. What used to be the agricultural land of a medieval
castle, is now a superb garden. The village near the city of Beja
(about 30 km of distance), in the past it was a very important location,
having been home of a royal pousada. |
| Arraiolos
- located
in the District of Évora. |
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Pousada
de Arraiolos - Nossa Senhora da Assunção Arraiolos
Style: Historic Design
Pousada w/pool Formerly a 16th C. Convent
The Pousada Arraiolos Hotel,
Nossa Sra. Assunção, is an example of perfect harmony between
the traditional and modern concepts of Portuguese architecture, adapting
the austerity of a convent to today's standards of comfort and well-being.
The starting point for this Pousada was the restoration of a sixteenth
century convent situated in a valley in Arraiolos, a city that is world-famous
for its carpets. This luxury hotel in Arraiolos is a wonderful excuse to
get to know the traditional art of carpet-making. |
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Pousada
de Beja - São Francisco
Style: Historic Pousada
w/pool Formerly 13th C. Franciscan Convent
In the former 13th century
Franciscan Convent located in the heart of the historical centre of Beja,
we find the impressive Pousada Beja Hotel, São Franscisco. The first
records of this Convent, date from the 10th November of 1268, marking the
donation of lands, for its construction, from Paio Pires to Lopo Esteves.
This luxury hotel in Beja combines the mystic monument with the needs of
today's standards of well-being and comfort. The Pousada has an excellent
service and offers the best regional grastronomy in its restaurant. The
environment allows guests to relax both body and mind. A true oasis in
the Alentejo plain. |
| Crato
-
At the time of the second half of the fourteenth century, friar Álvaro
Gonçalves Pereira, the hospital prior, ordered the building of the
Pousada Flor da Rosa Monastery, where he would live, in the places which
formed the annex. These building, with their medieval roots, have
a gothic structure, from which certain architectural details from other
ages emerge from time to time, particularly Manueline (sixteenth century)
features as a result of subsequent building work. Built on eminently
defensive line, this palace-cum-monastery has architectural features, such
as towers, window slites and solid block construction, which give it the
appearance more of a fort than a monastic house. Taking advantage
of the restoration required after a violent earthquake in 1755, a number
of architectural innovations were introduced to the church. After the elimination
of the religious orders in Portugal in 1834, the monastery was abandoned,
which greatly accelerated its decay and ruin. Thus, when at the end of
the nineteenth century a violent storm devastated the region, the torrential
rains caused the roof of church nave to collapse, among other things. It
was not rebuilt until many years later. |
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Pousada
do Crato - Flor da Rosa, Crato
Style: Historic Design
Pousada formerly a castle/convent/palace
A castle, a convent and
a palace, built in different periods, were the origin of this ecclesiastical
architectural work of outstanding harmony, today a luxury hotel in Crato.
The former Knights of the Order of Malta's monastery, is surrounded in
medieval mysticism. Flor da Rosa Pousada manages to combine the genuine
characteristics of the convent, highlighting them with an architectural
project, which although modern, entirely respects its origins. |
| Elvas
- The city of Elvas is located near the border between Portugal and
Spain and is on the main highway between Lisbon and Madrid. It is believed
that the town has been originally developed by the Romans and it has suffered
many conflicts in its history. It was liberated from the occupying Moors
in 1229 and since that date in a period of some 600 years, it suffered
numerous attacks and was the subject of peace treaties between the neighbouring
Spain. During the War of Independence between the two countries (1640-1668),
the battle of Linhas de Elvas in 1659 was notable for the decisive defeat
of the invading Spanish who had besieged the Portuguese army in the town
and was then successfully relieved by Portuguese troops from Estremoz.
In its more recent history its claim to fame was when it was used by the
Duke of Wellington as his headquarters in his siege of the neighbouring
Spanish town of Badajos. |
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Pousada
de Elvas - Santa Luzia, Elvas
Style: Charming Pousada
w/pool Typical Alentejo Architecture
Opened in 1942, the Santa
Luzia Pousada was the first of the Pousadas de Portugal and is a fine example
of typical Alentejo architecture. António Ferro, a Portuguese poet
that created this netting, had the vision of distinctive, rare and typically
Portuguese hotels. Peaceful, gracious elengant places. Today, this
charming hotel in Elvas offers its guests not only all possible comfort
but also the best Alentejo cuisine, especially the renowned bacalhau dourado
(golden codfish), or its famous dish of pork trotters in a coriander marinade.
The city is located near the border between Portugal and Spain and is on
the main highway between Lisbon and Madrid. |
| Estremoz
- In 1259, D. Afonso III recognized the geostrategical situation of
Estremoz, granted it a charter in Santarém and the castle was founded.
From the beginning, the castle has been associated with the Tower, thought
to be the work of three kings - D. Afonso IV, D. Pedro and D. Fernando.
This is the origin of the traditional name - Tower of the Three Crowns
- symbolized by the marble pinnacle in the East corner of the upper terrace.
A few years later, D. Dinis ordered the building of his residence here. |
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Pousada
de Estremoz - Rainha Santa Isabel, Estremoz
Style: Historic Pousada
w/pool formerly a 14 C. Castle
The castle of Estremoz is
the result of the restoration of the magnificent Palace that King D. Diniz
built for his wife, Queen Santa Isabel. In the sixties, the castle, became
a luxury hotel named after the Queen. The Pousada Estremoz, Rainha Santa
Isabel, has the finest decor including museum pieces, several rooms still
maintain characteristics of the 18th century. From the private palace
gardens and swimming pool, you have the most superb view over the city
of Estremoz and the vast Alentejo plain. |
| Évora
- The
building where the Pousada dos Lóios is located is the former Monastery
of the S. João Evangelista or the Lóios Congregation. Founded
on 1485 by D. Rodrigo Melo, 1st Olivença´s Count and constructed
with the demand of D. João II, in grounds where part of the Evora’s
Castle, with Arabian origins, had existed. Of this castle there only
are some ruins, because it was destroyed by a fire in the revolution of
1383-85 that delineates the battles of the D. Joao’s supporters, who would
became king. |
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Pousada
de Évora Lóios, Évora
Style: Historic Pousada
w/pool formerly a 15 C. Convent
This luxury hotel is located
in the heart of historic the centre of Evora, a city classified by UNESCO
as World Heritage. The Pousada Evora, Convent of Loios, was originally
a convent and one of Évora's most precious architectural buildings.
On 1965 the convent opens its doors as a Pousada de Portugal, the former
cells of the Cónegos Regrantes (the congregation faithfull), were
converted into luxury decorated rooms, being all different from each other.
Staying at the Pousada of Loios is reliving history itself in each stone,
each glance and each object. |
| Marvão
- The idea of building a Pousada to welcome visitors to Marvão was
first mooted in 1946. Plans were drawn up for building a hotel on the site
of the present town council buildings. It is said by some that the project
failed to go ahead because of rivalries between Marvão and the neighbouring
town of Castelo de Vide. However, an energetic townsman, Jeremias
da Conceição Dias, inherited a house and combining his own
resources with a bank loan, managed to buy the sexton’s house next door,
using them both to open the first tourist accommodation in this historic
town, the aptly named “Estalagem Ninho D’Águias” (Eagles’ Nest Inn). |
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Pousada
de Marvão - Santa Maria Marvão
Style: Historic Design
Pousada in a medieval town
The small traditional houses
of Marvao, a medieval town with walls dating from the thirteenth century,
seem to squeeze the narrow little streets that wind between them. Two of
these village houses have been comfortably converted into the Pousada Marvao,
Santa Maria, a small charming hotel. The Pousada Santa Maria boasts
many features, which make this a special place to stay. The cosy ambience
of the bedrooms and reception rooms is echoed in the simple decoration
and almost family atmosphere. The rooms offer two completely different
experiences: some (only a few) offer views of the stunning mountain landscape
surrounding this hilltop town, whilst the rest face inwards into the lanes
and alleyways of the old town, immersing visitors in a medieval world of
granite and whitewashed houses. |
| Santa
Clara-a-Velha - The original building where today the Inn is placed
was constructed jointly with the dam, that it was inaugurated in 1969.
Initially it the house of the engineers who construction the Barrage, remaining
itself thus until being acquired by the Enatur and being reopened as Pousada
de Portugal in 1979, with reduced lodging capacity, 6 rooms only.
In May 1994, the Inn closed for workmanships of remodelling and magnifying
under the trace of the Architect Corrêa Guedes, reopening in May
1996, already with 19 rooms The official inauguration happened one year
later, in May 1997, remaining itself as it is until the present.
A scene of extraordinary beauty, where the natural landscape and the workmanship
of the man coexist, he was the chosen one for the Inn of Saint Clara. |
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Pousada
de Santa Clara-a-Velha, Santa Clara-a-Velha
Style: Hotel Pousada
w/pool in a nature/scenic area
Near the beaches of the
coast of S. Vicente in Alentejo, surrounded by a breathtaking mountain
landscape and close to Santa Clara dam, you will find the Pousada de Santa
Clara-a-Velha hotel. The view from its balconies and swimming pool gives
you the tranquility and relaxation you need. Its peacefulness is
ideal for shooting, fishing, water sports or even for a rest in perfect
harmony with nature. This nature hotel is very close to the Natural
Park and Vicentine Coast, where the beaches are very appreciated and known. |
| Santiago do Cacém
- Although the concept of this Pousada is based in the nature’s peace,
for more interested people there also are historical attractions, like
the Santiago Castle, or re Roman Ruins of Miróbriga, considered
the widest and most complete of the south of Portugal. The council
of Santiago de Cacém, typical region of Estremadura is characterized
by the finest views over the sea, the mountains, the lagoons, the dams
and the up hills, everything amazes the imagination. There are beaches
with a big extension of sand, bathed at one side by the calm waters of
the Santo André Lagoon, and at the other by the Atlantic waves.
During summer, there are many visitors. The archaeological vestiges
exposed in this region reflect the human presence since the Palaeolithic,
when man kind lived in caves and from what we would hunt with very rudimentary
utensils. |
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Pousada
de Santiago do Cacém - Quinta da Ortiga, Santiago do Cacém
Style: Rural House Pousada
w/pool in a nature/scenic area
This Pousada de Santiago
do Cacém is located in a typical Alentejo farm estate, a few minutes
from Santiago do Cacém and the São Vicente Coast beaches.
It has a beautiful chapel and it is encircled in a magnificent landscape
crossed by a refreshing river, terraced gardens and a swimming pool are
located where the former watering reservoir used to be. This Pousada's
concept is based on its peaceful rural atmosphere, altough there are interesting
cultural-historic sites nearby, such as Santiago castle or the Miróbriga
Roman ruins, the largest and most complete ruins South of the Tagus river. |
| Sousel
- The Sousel village is located in Alentejo, 17km far away from Estremoz
and 55km from Portalegre, a region with rare beauty, with a fertile land
and
many riversides. This village was founded by the constable D. Nuno Alvares
Pereira and is surrounded by lands that are known for having many species
with cynegetic interest. Not far away form the village, on the top
of the São Miguel hillock, is the Pousada São Miguel, the
first cynegetic tourism space of Portugal, being equipped with a kennel.
But not only the hunting lovers may look for this Pousada, as near it there
is the most ancient bull-ring of Portugal and the Maranhão dam (25
km), which makes it possible to fish and do water sports. |
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Pousada
de Sousel - São Miguel, Sousel
Style: Hotel Pousada
w/pool in a nature/scenic area
The Sousel village is located
in Alentejo, 17km far away from Estremoz and 55km from Portalegre, a region
with rare beauty. Situated on a hill overlooking the vast Alentejo plains,
stands the white-painted walls and peaceful Pousada de Sousel, São
Miguel. This nature hotel with its cinegetic interior designs is always
waiting for the shooting, leisure and unique rich cuisine lovers.
Sousel has the oldest bullring in Portugal. Located near the Maranhão
dam, it is also ideal for fishing and water sports. |
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Pousada
de Torrão - Vale do Gaio, Torrão
Style: Modern Nature
Pousada w/pool
In the heart of the Alentejo
region, 30 km from Alcácer do Sal and over the Vale do Gaio dam,
stands the beautiful Pousada of Torrão, Vale do Gaio. It is
the perfect place for shooting, fishing nature and water sports lovers,
as well as for gastronomics buffs. The sunsets at the terrace, overlooking
the dam make your stay at this nature hotel unforgettable. |
| Vila Viçosa
- Around 1514, the Fourth Duke of Bragança, Dom Jaime, decided to
found a religious house close to his palace in Vila Viçosa. It would
serve dual purpose of Pantheon for the ladies of his House, and would take
in the daughters from his second marriage, who could not find noble husbands.
Nobody knows the exact date of the foundations, although documentary evidence
suggests that they date back to 1514. At that time, the Duke of Bragança
was undertaking a great number of works in the town, especially the new
castle and the city walls. Despite its local character, thins
convent, designed in the early fifteen hundreds, revealed the new aesthetic
tastes of the Renaissance - the cultural movement which began in Italy
in the late fourteenth century - brought to Portugal by João de
Ruão and Nicolau Chanterenne. This influence can be seen not only
in certain architectural features, in the design of the church doorway,
but also in the layout as a whole, in the way the building surrounds the
large square, Terreiro do Paço. One of the most interesting
features of the buildings is the marble doorway. Italian influences combined
with the tradition and tastes of local architects." |
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Pousada
de Vila Viçosa - Dom João IV, Vila Viçosa
Style: Historic Design
Pousada w/pool formerly an convent
The Pousada de Vila Viçosa,
D. João IV, is set in the former Convent of Chagas de Cristo in
the historical village of Vila Viçosa. Very characteristic with
its intricate themed rooms, full of legends and tales. This Pousada is
a luxury hotel, that has kept intact the convent cells, the retreats and
the oratories built by the nuns. You can also appreciate the exquisite
conventual recipes. One of the most interesting features of the buildings
is the marble doorway. Italian influences combined with the tradition and
tastes of local architects. |
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Latest update: May 10, 2010
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