monsaraz castle and walls

This is one of my favorite areas of Portugal and definitely the most beautiful town on Alentejo region.With the view also, located on the top of a hill due to be a fortified city, part of Portugal´s history. The view over the river on one side and the green and brown fields on other.The town it self it unique, inside the fortified walls, is like traveling back in time.Inside you cna find restaurants, churchs, a castle and some traditional and historical constructions.

This is a must see in the Alentejo region. The centuries old village perched on top of a hill offers panoramic views of the area including the man-made lake in the distance. The cobblestone streets offer an array of interesting shops and restaurants. There is something for everyone to enjoy. Don't miss it.

We had visited Carcassonne a few days earlier and Monsaraz was so much better. It is very nicely preserved and accessible but without the nasty tourist-traps that Carcassonne has developedThe views from Maonsaraz are breath-taking. It's also great the you can wander the precarious castle without limit.

This is a beautiful walled village at the top of a mountain. We visited in February when it was tranquil and lovely. It's a small cobbled village oozing history. There's an opulent church and a great cafe restuarant with a terrace affording amazing views. And what views! The damming of the river has created a huge system of lakes in this lush countryside. Every side street you glance up affords you a glimpse.

Monsaraz was my favourite place that we visited in Alentejo. We were there off-season and I was thrilled to wander the steep cobbled streets without having to dodge the maddening hordes. The sun was blazing and there were lovely cafes and restaurants to appreciate within the town walls. The views out across the surrounding countryside and across the border with Spain were utterly stunning. Loved that could just clamber around the walls of the castle whilst children made the most of the internal showground to do impromptu performances. Throughout the town were figures that depicted how day-to-day life would have been some hundreds of years ago when the Moors were in charge of this area of the Iberia Peninsula. We also drove down to the water for a walk to view the town from below and appreciate the stillness. A stunning day!

Monsaraz is such a pretty place. We loved driving up to the hilltop, walled village and taking pictures along the way. We were lucky enough to enjoy a most beautiful sunset from the castle; amazing colors in the sky and pink reflections on the white washed walls of the church and houses. Make sure you spend the night in one of the guesthouses as you will enjoy a quiet evening and you will have the village to yourself after most of the tourists are gone before dinner time.

This is a small hamlet set within castle walls. The winding streets are paved with stone. Lots of intriguing shops and the most amazing views.

Monsaraz marked the end of my wonderful three week vacation in Portugal. I made a day trip from Evora on my last full day. So many choices for day trips from Evora, but I'm really happy I chose Monsaraz. The views of the surrounding countryside are absolutely spectacular. The village itself is lovely with twisting little streets. The castle, of course, is a real highlight. No tours or historical markers. Just come in and wander about. Take in the wonderful views. The old garrison keep is still used occasionally for bullfights (ban bullfights!). So I would absolutely and very strongly recommend a visit to beautiful Monsaraz. Slowly stroll the streets--take it all in. And explore the lovely castle.

It is a very old castle in the middle of a lovely little town with a fantastic view of the largest man made damn in Portugal.

I didn't know what to expect as we entered this medieval town. After parking our car outside its walls, my head was turned up high as I walked, looking at the structure before me. And I felt like I went back in time. I was enchanted as I entered the walls and saw the white houses and clean cobblestoned streets. Amazing views ... what a beautiful place!

Nice place to visit, full of history and very beautiful, there are little houses to buy stuffs, like souvenirs, drinks and food. There's a park to leave your car.

Totally amazing views, and a peaceful feeling. Even if you visit in the low tourist season there will always be people around, so get up a bit early to snap some absolutely magnificent photos.You wont regret it.

Wonderful great place to visit and step back in time. Views out of this world. Why is this not a world heritage site.

Cycling with Hooked on Cycling , on the Castles and Wine Tour, visiting the Castle Monsaraz by bike - hard work !! Worth the visit, with a fantastic view, great for cafes and picnics.The roads are good for cycling, give yourself lots of time to wander round.We stayed at the Hotel Facilities at the bottom of the hill, it was very good, comfortable and with the infinity pool - makes great relaxation !

We think our shots tells a lot about this very special Castle kind of a village. Picturesque streets with nice small hotels, souvenir kind of shops makes what you find here. We made our trip from Nazare, so we made quite a trip but have to admit the trip was well worth the way we made it. We recommend Monsaraz Castle warmly.