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| 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
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
With the restoration of
an unusual 15th century castle in the village of Alvito, the beautiful
Alvito Pousada was born. It 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 property provides 20 comfortable guestrooms that are
well furnished and fully equipped with modern amenities. |
| The
small town of Arraiolos has 3,351 inhabitants and is located in Arraiolos
Municipality in Évora District in Portugal.
Arraiolos
is a city that is world-famous for its carpets. |
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Pousada
de Arraiolos - Nossa Senhora da Assuncao Arraiolos
The starting point for the
Pousada was the restoration of a sixteenth century convent situated in
a valley in Arraiolos a city that is world-famous for its carpets. The
Pousada is an example of the achievement of perfect harmony between the
traditional and modern concepts of Portuguese architecture and a felicitous
example of adapting the austerity of a convent to today's standards of
comfort. A wonderful excuse to get to know the traditional art of carpet-making. |
| Beja
is a city in the Beja Municipality in the Alentejo region, Portugal.
The municipality has a total area of 1,147.1 km² and a total population
of 34,970 inhabitants. The city proper has a population of 21,658.
The
municipality is composed of 18 parishes, and is the capital of the Beja
District. The present Mayor is Francisco Santos, elected by the Unitarian
Democratic Coalition. The municipal holiday is Ascension Day. The Portuguese
Air Force has an airbase in the area - the Air Base No. 11. |
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Pousada
de Beja - São Francisco
In the former 13th century
Franciscan Convent located in the heart of the historical centre of the
Alentejo town of Beja, we find this impressive Pousada. Combining the mystic
monument with the needs of today's standards of well-being and comfort,
the São Francisco Pousada, with its magnificent cuisine, allows
guests to relax both body and mind. |
| 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
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
Opened in 1942, the Santa
Luzia Pousada was the first of the Pousadas de Portugal and is a fine example
of typical Alentejo architecture. Today, it offers its guests not only
all possible comfort but also the best Alentejo cuisine. It features
25 rooms, all air-conditioned and well equipped with several amenities.
The hotel also provides a restaurant and recreational activities such as
a swimming pool and tennis court. |
| 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
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. The high
quality of building materials used, has been completed with the finest
decor including museum pieces. From the private palace gardens and swimming
pool surrounded by battlements, 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
In
the heart of historic centre of Évora, which is classified as a
world heritage city, stands the Loios Pousada. Originally a convent and
one of Évora's most precious architectural buildings, this charming
pousada is the perfect destination for any guest travelling through Portugal.
Guests staying at the Évora Pousada have all the modern comforts
a traveller requires to relax, such as a swimming pool and a restaurant
that specialises in traditional cuisine. Loios Pousada offers 32 guest
rooms. |
| 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
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 POUSADA |
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| 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
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 POUSADA |
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| 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 would hunt with very rudimentary utensils. |
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Pousada
de Santiago do Cacém - Quinta da Ortiga, Santiago do Cacém
Quinta da Ortiga Pousada
is situated on an Alentejo farm estate, a few minutes from Santiago do
Cacem and the S. Vicente Coast beaches. It has a beautiful chapel and is
encircled by a magnificent landscape crossed by a refreshing river and
terraced gardens. There are numerous interesting cultural-historic sites
nearby such as Santiago castle, the Mirobriga Roman ruins and museums.
All rooms are air conditioned and equipped with modern amenities such as
mini bar and telephone. Featuring a swimming pool, the hotel also provides
a restaurant and bar. |
| 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
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. |
| 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. |
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Pousada
de Torrão - Vale do Gaio, Torrão
The Pousada Vale do Gaio
is set in an idyllic location overlooking the Torrão reservoir,
in the heart of the Alentejo plains. This beautiful spot is the ideal base
for anyone who enjoys water sports or wishes to explore the charming Portuguese
countryside. The hotel offers 14 fully equipped guest rooms,
each with a private bathroom. Equipped with a swimming pool and a restaurant,
this pousada is sure to suit any traveller looking to relax during their
vacation. Guests can enjoy the sunsets at the terrace, overlooking the
dam. |
| 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
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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