Montemor-o-Novo

On a hill above the Alentejo plain, Montemor-o-Novo is a town of white houses and old arcades, crowned by one of the largest ruined castles in Portugal. Its historic centre keeps the quiet charm of the region, and the views from its walls stretch far across the countryside.

History and identity

The town grew up around its castle, an important stronghold in the Middle Ages, when it guarded the road between Lisbon and Évora. Inside the walls once stood a royal palace and a monastery; today the ruins, the gates and the long curtain walls still shape the town’s skyline.

What to see and do

• The castle hill, with its walls, gates and wide views.
• The historic centre, with its arcaded squares and churches.
• The town’s museums and old houses.
• The surrounding plain, with its cork oaks and olive groves.

Gastronomy and traditions

Montemor-o-Novo shares the cuisine of the Alentejo — olive oil, bread, pork and rich stews — and keeps the region’s traditions of music and craft. Its festivals follow the slow calendar of the plain.

Visiting Montemor-o-Novo

Montemor-o-Novo is in the Alentejo, about 30 kilometres west of Évora, reached by road. Access to the town is free; for the castle and local events, check the official website before your visit.

Visitor information: cm-montemornovo.pt.

Image credit: Montemor-o-Novo, Portugal, by GualdimG, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.