Within the fortified complex of Castelo de Moura, several chapters of the city’s history come together. D. Dinis had the fortifications rebuilt and granted the town its first charter in 1295. During the Restoration Wars, the Castelo was reinforced in the second half of the 17th century with a line of bastions and ravelins. The complex includes a rectangular keep and a round tower with a clock added in the 19th century.
Fortress, churches and history
Within the walled area of Castelo de Moura stands the church of the Convent of São Domingos. It contains a Manueline tomb of the brothers Pedro and Ãlvaro Rodrigues. The parish church Igreja de São João Baptista, also known as Igreja matriz de São João Baptista de Moura, was built by Cristóvão de Almeida in the early 16th century. Its three vaulted naves are separated by eight pointed arches resting on two rows of octagonal pillars. Igreja matriz de São João Baptista de Moura was classified as a National Monument by decree of 13 June 1932. The Mouraria is one of the largest and best-preserved Moorish quarters in Portugal.
The Carmelite convent Igreja e Convento do Carmo was founded in 1251 and was the first convent founded by the Carmelites in Portugal and on the Iberian Peninsula. The Museu de Arte Sacra is housed in the 17th-century Igreja-Colegiada de São Pedro. The archaeological material preserved at the Museu Municipal de Moura spans from prehistory to the 18th century. The museum’s history also includes the donation of part of Alberto Gordillo’s art collection to Moura Town Hall.
Olive culture, wine and themed routes
Lagar de Varas do Fojo is one of the few surviving examples of a lagar de varas on the Iberian Peninsula. It preserves the traditional production of olive oil, using animal power alone as its source of energy. A different focus is offered by Jardim das Oliveiras “Miguel Hernándezâ€: this playful, educational space, opened in 2012, introduces visitors to the culture of the olive tree and olive grove. Processing technology and the promotion of olive culture thus offer two distinct ways to explore the subject.
Moura’s wine tradition includes Vinho de Talha, as well as white and red wines. The municipality of Moura is part of the Rota dos Vinhos do Alentejo. It is also included in the cultural tourism route Rota do Manuelino and the Terras da Moura Encantada route. The wine route and cultural trails therefore offer different thematic perspectives on the municipality.
Nature, water and activities
Herdade da Contenda is home to one of the largest wild populations of Iberian red deer. A network of six hiking trails and birdwatching as a visitor activity cater to travellers with different interests in nature. The Contenda ao luar trail starts at the Mirante.
The landscapes and vast Lake Alqueva are also among the attractions for a stay in the municipality. Praia fluvial do Lago in Moura, on Lake Alqueva, has sandy and grassy areas, two floating pools, natural shade, shelters and picnic tables. Check which facilities will be available on the date of your visit. Activities offered by the Moura-Alqueva Nautical Station include wakeboarding and water skiing. As the offer may change, please check before travelling whether these activities will be available on your date.
Festivals and how to get there
In July, Moura holds festivals in honour of Nossa Senhora do Carmo. The Feira do Artesanato de Moura also offers a recurring reason to visit: it takes place every year. If you would like to plan your trip around one of the festivals, check the dates in advance.
Moura can be reached from Lisbon via the IP7, N114 and N384 roads; the route is 210 km long. Check the current route and road conditions before setting off.
Discover more destinations: Moura, Estrela, Safara, Aljustrel, Odemira, Mértola, Almodôvar, Moita.
For the broader travel overview: Beja.
