MONSARAZ, the fortified medieval village with the most spectacular view over the heart of Alentejo, Portugal!

PRIVATE TOUR

Evora and Monsaraz Castle from Lisbon

Start your day visiting Évora, the Pearl of the Alentejo!

Known as the Museum City, Evora stands out for its rich historical heritage and university tradition. It stands beautiful and charming in the heart of the Alentejo region. Go back in time and visit the 1st century Roman Temple, the Evora Cathedral, the São Francisco Church that houses the chilling Chapel of Bones.
Find out what gave the city the UNESCO World Heritage status.

Giraldo Square

This site was the scene of numerous autos-da-fé (ritual of public penance), which took place during the period of the Inquisition. It has a rectangular shape. The houses that surround it are white and have medieval arches.

Roman Temple of Evora (Temple of Diana)

Go back in time and be amazed by the Roman Temple, popularly known as the Temple of Diana, which is one of the symbols of the Roman occupation in Portugal. It dates from the 1st century and is built at the dominant point of the Acropolis, in the city forum. It is one of the best preserved Roman temples in the Iberian Peninsula. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, it is certainly the oldest of all monuments in Evora.

Catedral of Evora

The largest medieval cathedral in Portugal, its construction started in 1186, on the foundations of an Arab mosque, is an example of the transition from Romanesque to Gothic style. Declared a National Monument in 1910.

Chapel of Bones

Be impressed by one of the most sinister monuments in Portugal: The Chapel of Bones built in the 17th century. Upon entering, note the ominous warning, intended for visitors to meditate on the ephemeral of life: "We bones that here are, for yours await". Built by three naves, the chapel is covered with bones and skulls from 5000 skeletons from church and convent cemeteries throughout the city.

Monsaraz Castle

Head to the fortified town of Monsaraz, one of Alentejo's greatest charms and one of the oldest settlements in Portugal. Its occupation dates back to prehistoric times, a time when the town and its surroundings still have several megalithic monuments.

Monsaraz Medieval Village

The hill on which the village of Monsaraz stands, strategically located next to the Guadiana river, has seen Romans, Visigoths, and Arabs, the latter expelled by Christians in 1167.

Tip: lose yourself in the medieval streets of the village of Monsaraz, climb the castle's dungeon, and look out over both Portugal and Spain.

Those who visit this historic medieval town can not only appreciate all the monuments and landscapes but also the exhibitions of the most varied art forms that are permanently on display in several historic buildings of this town, as well as enjoy a high-quality cultural program throughout the year.

Monsaraz is thus an authentic Open Museum.

In the 8th century, Monsaraz fell under the domain of Islam during the Muslim invasions that occupied a large part of the Iberian Peninsula. In 1167, in the process of the Christian reconquest, Monsaraz was conquered by the knight Geraldo Sem Pavor, who volunteered to take Evora and Neighbours villages. In 1173, Monsaraz falls again under the Muslim domain, following the Portuguese defeat in Badajoz. Only later, in 1232, King Sancho II, with the help of the Knights Templar, manages to definitively incorporate Monsaraz under Christian rule, donating it to the Order of the Temple, which is in charge of its defense and repopulation.

Trip Itinerary

Departure at 8:30 at Hotel/Accommodation in Lisbon
Visit the Roman Temple
Visit the Cathedral of Evora
Visit the Praça de Giraldo (Giraldo Square)
Visit the Church of the San Francisco
Visit the Chapel of Bones
Visit the Monsaraz Castle
Return to Lisbon You will be able to choose a Drop-off location different from the pick-up one, provided it is in Lisbon.

Pick-up & Drop-off

At your Hotel/Accommodation in Lisbon
Your guide/driver will have a company identification badge

What to bring
Comfortable shoes
Comfortable clothes
Photo Camera

This tour is private and suits your dates and preferences. Our tours are designed especially for the traveler who wants to get away from the traditional tours and wants to experience new realities, original and unique experiences on every journey. Our Tours provide the traveler a visit made with time to enjoy the attractions in a quiet way.

Price: from >> 74.50 € per Person

The price varies according to the number of people. For groups from 9 to 16, 30 or 55 people please contact us

Duration:8 Hrs

Pickup: 8h30

What is included

Private transportation
Driver/Guide
Personal accompaniment during the whole day
Pickup and drop-off at hotel/Accommodation in Lisboa
Air-conditioned vehicle
WiFi on board
Bottled water
Liability insurance according to current law
Personal Accident Insurance according to current law

This tour/activity is private. Only your group will participate.

What is not included

Lunch
Entrance tickets to monuments
Any additional expenses not covered and agreed in advance

General conditions

Estrela d'Alva Tours is not responsible for excess or oversized baggage, because of a lack of notice, if it can not be transported in the reserved vehicle.

If it proves impossible in providing one or more services for reasons that are strange to Estrela d'Alva Tours, they will be replaced by equivalent services.

Estrela d’Alva Tours operates a non-smoking policy in its transportation services.