From Castelo de Mourão, the view opens out across the town, the surrounding landscape and the waters of Alqueva. The castle is more than a viewpoint: a thick medieval wall made of marble, schist and granite has also been preserved. In Mourão, landscape and architectural history come together in a compact area.

Waterside Landscape and Beach

It is worth looking closely at the geography: the municipality of Mourão is a border municipality on the left bank of the Guadiana, while the town of Mourão lies on the shore of the Alqueva reservoir. Praia Fluvial de Mourão offers direct access to the water. Its sandy beach is about 320 metres long, 100 metres of which are supervised. Check whether supervision is available during your visit.

Praia Fluvial has a lawn with sunshades, a floating children's pool and a floating platform with a diving tower. Facilities may vary depending on the bathing season. A picnic area is also available. Accessibility features include a ramp into the water and an amphibious chair; confirm before your visit whether these facilities are available. The different beach areas offer practical options for your visit, but the features listed should not be taken as an indication of current operating conditions.

The Castle and Churches as Testaments to the Town's History

The present-day Castelo de Mourão was begun during the reign of Afonso IV under the direction of Mestre João Afonso. The churches also tell the story of different periods of construction. Igreja de Nossa Senhora das Candeias was built from 1681 and consecrated in August 1692. Its façade is framed by the former Gothic towers of Castelo de Mourão. Local devotion includes the story that an image of the Virgin Mary was found in the gorse.

Igreja da Misericórdia was begun in the first half of the 18th century and was already described as a “good chapel” in the parish records of 1758. Its Baroque furnishings include a white marble pulpit dating from 1719. Igreja de S. Francisco stands directly adjacent; it was built as the chapel of the Venerável Ordem Terceira da Penitência de S. Francisco. The date 1740 is inscribed on its schist portal. Inside, blue-and-white tiles with floral designs stand out; the main altar features images of Senhor dos Passos, Nossa Senhora da Conceição and Saint Francis of Assisi. Together, Igreja da Misericórdia and Igreja de S. Francisco form the monumental backdrop to Praça da República.

Festivals and Discoveries in Town

Some religious events are tied to Easter: the Procissão de N. Senhor dos Passos is listed for the Sunday before Easter weekend, the Procissão do Enterro do Senhor for Good Friday, and the Romaria de S. Pedro dos Olivais for Easter Monday. The Festas em Honra de S. Sebastião take place in the annual events calendar between July and August. If you would like to plan your trip around one of these events, check the specific dates.

The history of the surrounding area can also be explored elsewhere: Museu da Aldeia da Luz interprets the far-reaching changes brought about by the construction of a dam and the flooding of a village. The Pelo Património Vivo de Mourão walking route begins at the Posto de Turismo de Mourão on Largo de São Bento.

At Largo das Portas de São Bento, the Mourão tourist office provides information on tourist accommodation, restaurants, heritage, walking routes, culture, events and leisure activities. A regional culinary specialty is also highlighted: O Pátio da Oliveira’s gastronomic presentation lists Encharcada de Mourão as a regional convent sweet. Restaurant listings and menus may change.

Discover more destinations: Mourão, Granja, São Pedro, Vila Viçosa, Evora, Rio De Moinhos, Portel, Vendas Novas.

Back to the main travel overview: Evora.