With many delightful courses, pure coastal breeze from the Atlantic ocean, great fresh gastronomy and fantastic weather conditions, Portugal is a Golf Bliss for most golfers.
Portugal Golf - Monsaraz
Monsaraz History
This old hilltop town of Monsaraz used to help guard against the Spanish a
section of the River Guadiana. The town came to prominence when it was captured
from the Moors in 1167 by the famous soldier Geraldo Sem-Pavor (the Fearless).
He then set about improving its fortifications and then gave the castle and
village to the military Templar Order. It continued to suffer later many
unsuccessful attacks from the invading Spanish throughout the following
centuries. However, it was sacked in 1381 by the Earl of Cambridge when his
proposed marriage to the daughter of Dom Fernando I was annulled and as a result
he unleashed his anger on the town. His manner of gaining easy entry into the
almost unassailable castle can be suspected as having pretended to still having
enjoyed the favours of the Portuguese King.
Monsaraz Description
Perched on the top of a hill, this little known small town has kept fantastic
attributes of the Alentejo, if not Portugal itself. It is a small walled group
of dwellings that carefully preserve most of their original charm by retaining
the old exteriors and the original quaint slated streets. The inhabitants of the
town take particular pride in maintaining its somewhat medieval atmosphere with
its few narrow streets that are in parts are quite steep as they fall away to
the defending walls. The views from its 13th Century castle walls are panoramic
over both the plains of the Alentejo, the waters of the new Dam and views
towards the Spanish boarder. The courtyard of the Keep of the Castle has now
been adapted and is used as an occasional Bullring whilst the viewing spectators
line the castle walls. In the Igreja de Santa Maria da Lagoa is the 13th Century
tomb of Gomes Martins Anes, the first Lord of the town.
During the autumn many neighbouring villages in this region use or create a
temporary makeshift Bullring as an opportunity for the "local young bloods� to
chance their courage. Without any special protection or weapon, they pitch their
skill against the charge of the younger bulls that are progressively increased
in weight and age during the event.
Monsaraz Nearby Locations
Surrounding the area of Monsaraz are several fascinating megalith and dolman
monuments that are comparatively easy to find as they are mainly sign posted at
the side of the road with the word �Anta�. These symbolic remains date back to
between 4.000 and 2.000 years BC. Over 130 sites have been recorded in the
surrounding countryside but some have been re-located due to a massive Dam that
has been built. Several interesting sites are now under water including the
small quaint village of Luz with its Roman ruined fort.
About 16 Kilometres to the west is the now major town of Reguengos de Monsaraz,
a centre for this grape growing area. A specialty of the town is �Bolo Ran�oso�
that is made with pumpkin filling.
Some 4 Kilometres to the south is another small town of Mour�o that has the
impressive high walls of a 14th Century castle overlooking the River Guadiana.
Much further to the south is the town of Moura, a name said to have been given
to it in memory of the beautiful daughter of a the Moorish governor who threw
herself from the tower of the castle after learning her lover had been killed in
battle. A siege in 1657 destroyed most of the castle and what was left was
virtually blown up by the Spanish in 1707. The church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo
that is located near the castle was founded in 1251 as the first Carmelite
Convent in Portugal. To the west of this town is the Spa �guas de Pis�es.
To the north of Monsaraz is the town of Redondo set in the heart of the vine
growing district. This area also has many megalithic monuments indicating the
regions popularity during the Neolithic period. There is still some evidence
left of its castle built by Dom Dinis in the 14th Century. Also to the north is
the town of Alandroal, an established fortified town from the 14th Century. The
nearby 16th Century Erminda de S�o Bento was built to record the towns gratitude
from being apparently saved from the various plagues that swept Europe and that
always seemed to avoid this particular town. At the small small town of Terena
is the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Assun��o da Boa Nova which dates back to
the 14th Century. It is considered to be one of the most historic monuments in
the Alentejo.
Monsaraz Events
Town Holiday - 13th June
Market Day - Every Monday of the month
Monsaraz Information 800 296 296 - Support to Tourists 112 - SOS 266 508 040 - Town Hall (Reguengos de Monsaraz) 266 502 228 - Fire Brigade 266 502 387 - Police 266 557 136 - Tourist Office
Monsaraz Locations of Interest
Archeological Site - Monte Novo Albardeiros - (Monsaraz)
Castle - (Mour�o)
Castle - (Terena)
Dolman Site - Cebolinhas (Reguengos de Monsaraz)
Dolman Site - Poso (Reguengos de Monsaraz)
Dolman Site - Oliva da Pega (Reguengos de Monsaraz)
Menhir - Barrocal (Reguengos de Monsaraz)
Menhir - Bulh�o (Reguengos de Monsaraz)
Menhir - Gaginos (Reguengos de Monsaraz)
Menhir - Penedo Comprido (Barraida/Outeiro)
Menhir - Herdade da Capela (Reguengos de Monsaraz)
Menhir - Monte do Limpo (Monsaraz)
Menhir - Penedo Gordo (Reguengos de Monsaraz)
Menhir - Povoado de Perdig�es (Reguengos de Monsaraz)
Menhir - Rocha dos Namorados (Reguengos de Monsaraz)
Menhir - Xarez (Reguengos de Monsaraz)
Moor burial site of Arrabalde - (Monsaraz)
Santu�rio de Nossa Senhora da Assun��o da Boa Nova - (Terena)
Town - (Alandroal)
Portugal Golf
800 296 296 - Support to Tourists
