Medieval village, managed to maintain its characteristics over the centuries. A trip to Monsaraz is also a time travel, as it is a unique place where one can still find the peace and tranquility forgotten by modern times. Marked by lime and schist, it becomes “Monsaraz Open Museum” every year, during July, an opportunity to learn about Alentejo habits and customs in handicrafts, gastronomy and the various cultural shows that take place there, including music, theater, dance and fine art exhibitions.

 

Monsaraz and the History of the Village

Already showing signs of being a fortified castro during prehistoric times, Monsaraz has always had strong military and religious influences, impeccably preserved in time to the present day.

 

Monsarazs privileged location, set on the top of the hill overlooking the Guadiana and the Spanish border, has made it highly coveted by the people who disputed it. Then named Saris or Sarish, Monsaraz was conquered to the Muslims by Geraldo Without Fear in 1167, in a military incursion that left Evora.

 

After the defeat suffered in Badajoz, D. Afonso Henriques loses control of Monsaraz to the Moors. However, in 1232, D. Sancho II recovers Monsaraz once and for all with the support and help of the Templars, to whom he ends up donating the beautiful Alentejo village. By the way, the marks left by the Order of the Temple, later Order of Christ, are still alive and in good health among the walls of Monsaraz.

 

Today the museum town of Alentejo, Monsaraz was the head of the municipality until the mid-nineteenth century, when the council administration is based in Reguengos de Monsaraz. A curiosity: did you know that Reguengos means “relative to King”, being directly linked to the Latin prefix regis (= King)? While the entire municipality of Reguengos de Monsaraz has grown over the centuries, following modernity, Monsaraz has turned its back on time and remained as it wanted, girl and maiden - timelessly magnificent.

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