Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Montemor-o-Novo, Portugal

Nestled among rolling hills adorned with a lightweight cover of cork oak trees, Montemor-o-Novo represents an unassuming town in the core of the Alentejo region. This locale is home to several significant attractions worthy of exploration. The Alentejo region is dotted with ancient monuments, with no fewer than 12 located within this municipality.

One notable dolmen was converted into a chapel in the 17th century, while the Escoural Cave showcases prehistoric rock paintings. Dominating the town is Montemor-o-Novo’s medieval castle, which features remnants and vistas that capture the attention of even the most seasoned travelers.

Let us embark on an exploration of the most remarkable activities in Montemor-o-Novo:

1. Castelo de Montemor-o-novo

The castle encompasses remnants of three gates, the vestiges of a cistern, extensive sections of the fortifications, and a Gothic bell tower. Furthermore, a guardhouse dating back to the 16th century features the coat of arms of King Manuel I above its entrance, in addition to impressive vaulting within.

The modest church of São Tiago, established in the 1300s, offers an exhibition detailing the site’s ancient origins and significant historical events, including a meeting in 1495 at the court of King John II during which plans for Vasco da Gama’s voyage to India were conceived. The church is adorned with frescos from the 1600s and 1700s that merit a visit.

2. Convento de Nossa Senhora da Saudação

Within the castle walls, a short distance from the weathered stone structures, you will find a Dominican convent that was initiated in 1502. Clues to this era can be observed on the main entrance and the “Porta das Freiras” (Gate of the Nuns), both topped with an armillary sphere, which served as Manuel I’s personal emblem that celebrated Portugal’s nautical achievements. The dormitory and church were completed in the latter half of the 16th century.

Inside the church, the decor reflects the Philippine period, when the region fell under Spanish rule. The retable displays the style typical of the Royal Valladolid School, embellished with patterned multicolored tiles, while the lower choir impresses with frescoes adorning the vault and green tiles on its walls.

3. Gruta do Escoural

This cave system is essential for its prehistoric art, dating back to the Upper Paleolithic period, approximately 10,000 years ago. The accessibility of the site has improved, having recently undergone modernization to implement a new network of footbridges and an interpretation center.

Within, one can observe depictions of various animals, predominantly cattle and horses, alongside some intriguing hybrids. Moreover, during the Neolithic period (5000-3000 BC), local agrarian communities utilized the cave as a burial site, and remains from this era can be seen in the interpretation center, which also offers a comprehensive analysis of the paintings.

4. Capela-Anta de São Brissos

You may never have encountered a monument quite like this one in Santiago do Escoural. The Capela-Anta de São Brissos, a chapel from the 1600s, stands uniquely within a 5,000-year-old dolmen, which constitutes its chancel.

From its exterior, distinguishing the prehistoric section is straightforward, as the back of the chapel bulges outward. The dolmen features three upright stones topped by a horizontal slab.

5. Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Visitação

The highest hill northeast of Montemor-o-Novo features a path leading from the town to this quaint sanctuary, which dates back to the Manueline period at the turn of the 16th century, showcasing architectural elements typical of this style on its patterned stone portal.

The interior walls are adorned with 18th-century tile panels illustrating scenes from the life of Mary. Additionally, the sacristy houses as many as 200 ex-votos left by pilgrims over the years, with the oldest dating back to 1799. Take the opportunity to admire the panoramic view of the town from this hilltop and visit the small café nestled beside the hermitage.

6. Igreja do Calvário

In the 1700s, the small oratory that had stood since 1593 was transformed into a notable church characterized by Baroque design, which included a ceremonial hall for the church’s fraternity (Order of the Brotherhood Of Souls). Within this space, now serving as a sacristy, the walls are embellished with blue and white azulejos that were painted in 1716. The church itself retains older fixtures, including a pulpit and ornate tile panels, alongside a 1956 painting depicting the Passion by the esteemed Azorean artist Domingos Rebelo.

7. A Tour in the Old Centre

The tourist office has arranged a 16-stop walking tour through Montemor-o-Novo’s intricate network of cobblestone streets, stairways, and quaint squares. The street layout has remained largely unchanged since the Middle Ages, while the most compelling architectural features are of the Manueline style from the early 1500s.

Several palaces from this period remain intact, and the town’s convents are easily recognizable. The journey commences at the early 20th-century market hall and meanders past the mansions located on Rua 5 de Outubro, leading to the historic town hall at Largo Paços do Concelho. Along the way, one can appreciate Rua dos Almocreves, known for its 13th-century archway leading to the 16th-century Hospital de Espírito Santo e Santo André.

9. Convento de São Domingos

Situated south of the old center on Largo Professor Dr. Banha de Andrade is a Baroque monument featuring elements of earlier Mannerist architecture. The church nave and chancel are adorned with stunning 17th-century polychrome tiles. However, the highlight of this site is the small museum within the convent, which houses a diverse collection of liturgical art alongside archaeological artifacts such as pottery and tools from local prehistoric sites, as well as an exhibition dedicated to Montemor’s bullfighting heritage.

10. Piscina Municipal Montemor-o-Novo

During the sweltering summer months, the allure of the town’s outdoor swimming pools becomes evident as temperatures frequently exceed 30°C. Positioned about an hour from the coast, these pools serve as a refreshing alternative for families seeking a place for recreation. The main facility features an outdoor full-sized pool with designated lanes for serious swimmers, complemented by a spacious children’s pool equipped with slides and fountains.

Surrounding the pools is a welcoming expanse of grass where visitors can relax under a parasol while enjoying a picnic.

11. Megalithic Route

Remarkable monuments left by ancient inhabitants of the region can be found scattered throughout the countryside surrounding Montemor. In total, there are 12 significant sites, including the Capela-Anta de São Brissos, which are included in the regional itinerary. These menhirs and dolmens, approximately 5,000 years old, correlate with the era of human remains discovered in the nearby Escoural cave.

If your interest in prehistoric sites has been piqued, consider visiting the Almendres Cromlech, the largest megalithic site in both Portugal and Spain, located just half an hour away. This monument dates back approximately 8,000 years and evidence shows it was visited and modified over the course of the subsequent three millennia.

12. Rota do Montado

If one were to select an image that epitomizes the Alentejo countryside, it would undoubtedly be an arid landscape interspersed with solitary cork oak trees. These trees grow not in dense bands but are rather sparsely distributed across the region.

The grassy patches between the trees provide a grazing ground for free-range pigs and cattle, with the acorns serving as a staple food for the black pigs bred specifically for cured presunto ham. The local tourist office offers a route that allows visitors to fully appreciate this quintessentially Portuguese scenery. For larger groups, it is also possible to arrange tours of cork factories to gain deeper insight into Alentejo’s rural life.

13. Tapetes de Arraiolos

A short drive to the east takes you to Arraiolos, a town renowned for its hand-woven carpets. This craft, with origins dating back to the Moorish period, can be explored at an interpretation center situated within a historic former hospital, which explains the techniques and patterns used in carpet making.

On display throughout the gallery are stunning pieces of needlework, some of which adorned grand residences, while others featured Christian motifs designed for churches and convents. Antique looms are also present, and visitors may have the chance to engage with a weaver who often attends the museum, offering insights into the craft and even allowing you to try weaving yourself.

14. Wine Tourism

The warm climate surrounding Montemor favors the production of full-bodied and highly palatable red wines. Typically, these wines are crafted from a blend of indigenous Portuguese varietals such as Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca, along with internationally recognized grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.

Engaging in wine tourism can easily become the focal point of your visit to Montemor. Herdade do Menhir and Quinta da Plansel are located mere moments from the center and welcome visitors for tours of their vineyards and wineries, concluding with tastings. Additionally, Monte da Ravasqueira, situated just outside Arraiolos, boasts olive groves that supply many ingredients used during lunch service.

15. Cuisine

Culinary offerings in Alentejo are characterized by simplicity and flavor, emphasizing locally sourced ingredients. Historically, frugality dictated the use of every available resource, exemplified by açorda, a dense paste made from leftover bread, eggs, and olive oil.

Lamb and pork are central to the traditional diet, with roasts and stews enriched by the region’s wild herbs, including garlic, oregano, mint, and coriander. For a light snack, consider trying empadas da galinha, small chicken pies typically available at bakeries. Complementing the rich local wines, Alentejo produces a soft, creamy cheese that also holds a designation of origin.