Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Moura, Portugal

Not far from the Spanish border, Moura is a medieval town with a substantial Moorish heritage.

Consider the Mouraria neighborhood, which retains a layout reminiscent of its appearance 700 years ago when it served as a refuge for a minority Muslim population.

Moura continues to be protected by a castle, and atop the ramparts lies a park offering extensive views of a picturesque landscape adorned with olive groves and sun-baked hills.

A vast reservoir is merely moments away from Moura, providing opportunities for sailing and aquatic enjoyment during the summer months.

As night falls, the city is illuminated not by street lights but by one of the brightest night skies you are likely to encounter. This region has received accolades for its stargazing potential.

Let us delve into the noteworthy experiences available in Moura:

1. Castelo de Moura

The pinnacle of the tallest hill in Moura has witnessed human activity for millennia; even before the Romans arrived, Thebans from Ancient Greece established a settlement here.

This location became perpetually sought after due to the availability of permanent water sources in an otherwise arid environment.

The castle was constructed during Moorish times and was later reinforced in the 13th century by King Denis I. The keep stands out as the main feature, enduring remarkably well due to its robust marble structure.

It houses an exquisite octagonal vaulted chamber, supported by slender columns.

Ascend the spiral staircase to the battlements for a view to treasure.

2. Mouraria de Moura

Moura boasts the oldest Moorish quarter in Portugal, which originally served as a refuge from the Christian reconquest long before the city was captured.

To fulfill this defensive function, the quarter showcases very narrow, winding streets.

Following the Reconquista, the Moors were compelled to resettle in this area, located outside the castle walls.

They maintained their cultural identity until 1496 when they were mandated to convert to Christianity or depart.

This quarter features an alley along with three intersecting streets lined with single-storey cottages adorned with distinctive domed chimney stacks.

3. Convento das Dominicanas

Situated on the same site as the castle, this convent was initiated in 1562 and remains partially in ruins.

The church still stands with its Renaissance design.

Its striking whitewashed façade features three grand arches.

Among the ruins of the presbytery, you can discern a portal adorned with a coat of arms etched into the tympanum.

The interior houses the intriguing Manueline (early 16th-century) tomb of the brothers Álvaro and Pedro Rodrigues, who played significant roles in the successful assault on the city in 1166.

4. Jardim Doutor Santiago

Adjacent to the castle, this garden is buttressed by walls built to repel artillery attacks during the 16th century.

Established in the 1800s, it acquired its current name in 1934, reflecting the mayor of that time.

Enter through a grand portal flanked by arcades, where an antique horse-drawn fire cart is displayed within the gardens.

Once again, the views from this elevated location are breathtaking, allowing for clear visibility of the Alqueva Dam.

Take a moment to relax and admire the scenery while enjoying the shade under palm trees and evergreen trees that are over a century old.

5. Museu Municipal

The municipal museum of Moura houses a diverse collection of artifacts recovered from archaeological excavations and passed down through generations.

The core of this collection was first showcased as early as 1884, but it was not until 1993 that the museum found a permanent establishment.

The earliest items date back to prehistoric times, while the most recent come from the 1700s.

Among the collection of ancient weapons, ceramics, jewelry, and glassware, a notable item is the figure of a “smiting god,” which dates to the Iron Age, approximately 2,500 years ago.

6. Alqueva Reservoir

What were once valleys of cork oaks and olive groves is now one of the largest water reservoirs in Europe, spanning 25,000 hectares.

This reservoir was established in the 2000s by the Alqueva Dam, a massive structure completed in stages between 1995 and 2013. It did not take long for it to gain recognition for water sports.

Visitors can rent yachts, motorboats, kayaks, or canoes, or try their hand at waterskiing and wakeboarding.

For those who prefer solid ground, the banks are equipped with trails for cyclists and walkers, offering views of the dam and the arid countryside.

7. Stargazing

With a vast expanse of water and the absence of large urban areas, the eastern region of Alentejo is notably clear of light pollution.

This is further enhanced by agreements among towns like Moura and Barrancos to minimize street lighting.

The total area committed to this initiative now encompasses approximately 3,000 square kilometers.

The Starlight Initiative has designated the region as a “Starlight Tourism Destination.” The result is an extraordinary display of stars in the night sky.

Visitors may bring their own telescopes or partake in guided experiences led by experts, such as nocturnal canoe trips on the Alqueva Reservoir.

8. Atalaia Magra

A splendid destination for a stroll is this solitary watchtower located on the summit of a hill interspersed with gnarled cork oaks and olive trees.

Visitors can drive partly along N258 or undertake the entire journey on foot.

The objective is to reach a 14th-century circular Gothic tower that stands four stories tall.

During Portugal’s conflict with the Kingdom of Castile, this structure served as an early warning system against potential invasions.

The watchmen would relay signals back to Moura, facilitating communication with three other hilltop towers in the vicinity.

Remarkably well-preserved due to its age and seclusion, the tower remains accessible via a spiral staircase leading to the upper levels.

9. Núcleo Árabe

Located on Largo da Mouraria within the historic Moorish Quarter, this museum focuses on Moura’s Islamic period.

The centerpiece is a Moorish well with earthen walls, dating back to the 14th century.

Among various captivating artifacts are a bone amulet, engraved stones, an Islamic casket, and numerous ceramics recovered from archaeological sites.

The museum also explores the daily lives of the Moors, detailing their cuisine and customs as well as navigation along the Guadiana River.

10. Igreja de São João Batista

This parish church in Moura, constructed in the early 1500s during the reign of King Manuel I, was built further down the slope as the congregation outgrew the church within the castle.

An intriguing aspect of the church’s layout is the designation of the central nave solely for the clergy and nobility, with townsfolk relegated to the aisles.

Within the nave, admire the exquisite marble pulpit, while the Chancel features blue glazed tiles adorned with geometric patterns created in a Sevillian workshop.

11. Convento do Carmo

This convent was established shortly after Moura was reclaimed, during the reign of Afonso III in the mid-13th century.

Due to subsequent expansions and renovations, the convent exhibits an intriguing mix of Gothic, Manueline, and Renaissance architectural styles.

The convent was the first Carmelite sisterhood established on the Iberian Peninsula and once served as the order’s headquarters in Portugal.

Enthusiasts of medieval history may notice symbols of the Order of Malta adorning the façade, main portal, and cloister.

In the nave, look up to see the coffered ceiling, intricately carved in the early 16th century.

12. Igreja Paroquial de Santo Aleixo da Restauração

This 17th-century church has a compelling narrative, largely owing to its location on the path of invading armies.

A previous structure was destroyed by Castilian forces in 1626, and again in the early 18th century, it experienced partial destruction during the War of the Spanish Succession.

The reconstruction in 1733 resulted in a blend of the earlier Mannerist and later Baroque architectural styles.

The façade prominently features Baroque elements, including scrolls on its gable, while the interior showcases beautiful figurative blue and white tiles, along with delicate stucco reliefs evoking the Stations of the Cross.

13. Lagar de Varas de Fojo

The countryside surrounding Moura has a long history of olive oil production that dates back to Roman times.

Visitors can connect with centuries of oil production at this mill, located amidst trees that are over 1,000 years old.

The mill was first recorded in 1810 and continued oil production until 1941. Although modern automated machinery has largely taken over, the Lagar de Varas de Fojo demonstrates traditional hand-operated methods, relying solely on a spring to extract oil.

This mill remains completely intact, offering a unique glimpse into agricultural history in both Portugal and Spain.

14. Azeite de Moura

Moura’s olive oil is highly esteemed, possessing its own protected designation of origin.

Even with the advent of machinery, the oil extraction process remains traditional: a simple procedure involving washing, milling, mashing, spinning, and filtration.

Culinary enthusiasts should consider visiting Moura’s agricultural cooperative (Cooperativa Agrícola de Moura e Barrancos), located on the south side of the town, where virgin and extra virgin oils are available in 0.5, 0.75, 3, and 5-liter bottles.

While five liters may be excessive, a small bottle of extra virgin oil would make a delightful gift.

15. Food and Drink

Beyond its acclaimed olive oil, Moura offers a variety of local products worth sampling.

Where there’s olive oil, excellent olives are sure to follow, which are commonly served as appetizers in bars and restaurants.

Honey, cured sausages, and cheeses are exceptional here, while locally grown grapefruit is in season from late winter through early spring.

On menus, Miga—a dish made from leftover bread soaked and fried with garlic—often accompanies many main courses.

Additionally, Açorda, a bread-based broth, is a standalone meal in itself.

Lamb stew is an iconic dish from Alentejo and pairs perfectly with the region’s robust red wines.