The Maranhão Reservoir shapes Avis: its 46-kilometre-long body of water runs through the entire municipality of Avis and covers about 1,960 hectares. Activities on the reservoir include rowing, canoeing, windsurfing, fishing, water skiing and swimming; which activities are available locally depends on local conditions. Praia Fluvial do Clube Náutico de Avis is an inland beach on the reservoir and part of the Clube Náutico complex.
The history of the Order in the townscape
The history of Avis can be traced through various sites. In 1211, the lands were handed over to the aspirants of the Milícia de Évora so that they could build a castle there and enable settlement. Construction of Castelo de Avis is said to have begun in 1214, when D. Fernão Anes held the office of master of the Order. The walls and the castle have been classified as a National Monument since 16 June 1910. The transfer of the lands, the reported start of construction and the heritage protection thus mark different chapters in the town’s history.
The Convento de São Bento de Avis was built in the first half of the 13th century. The complex includes the church, the old cloister, the cistern, the chapter house, the reading room, the refectory, the dormitory and the Masters’ Palace. The CIOA – Centro Interpretativo da Ordem de Avis is housed in part of the former convent. Its permanent chronological exhibition tells the story of the military Order of São Bento de Avis over the centuries.
Monastic rooms, museums and traces of the past
MusCA – Museu do Campo Alentejano is also housed in several rooms of the former Convento de São Bento de Avis, including the chapter house and the monks’ reading room. Its primarily ethnographic collection represents agricultural and pastoral activities; the Montado landscape features as a defining element of regional culture. An inclusive exhibition area offers objects visitors can touch and Braille labels for visitors with visual impairments.
Other buildings bring together different periods. Capela de Nossa Senhora d’Entre Águas dates from the 15th century and has been altered over the centuries. Roman architectural structures are incorporated into it, and a Roman inscription is also set into the rear wall. Cisterna Medieval Camarária was part of the municipal water supply from the Middle Ages onwards. Pelourinho de Avis is a marble monument from the 16th century that was substantially altered in the 18th and 19th centuries. In Igreja de São Saturnino e Aroeira, a 17th-century mural in the main altar area depicts the Evangelists.
Exploring the reservoir
Those wishing to explore Avis on foot can follow PR1 AVS “Espelho de Água do Maranhão de Avis”, a 7.1-kilometre walking route. It follows the reservoir shore through landscapes of cork and holm oaks and offers views of Avis. The difficulty level is low, and the estimated duration is two to three hours. The route is part of TransAlentejo; check local conditions before setting out.
For a guided tour of the historic centre, the Avis Tourist Office welcomes visitors and tourists by prior appointment. In addition, the free Your Travel Avis app for Android and iOS includes a driving route through the entire municipality and a walking route in the historic centre. CAA – Centro de Arqueologia de Avis also offers guided tours by prior appointment. It is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 12:30 and from 14:00 to 16:00; confirm the opening hours before your visit.
Wine and boat trips
Herdade Fonte Paredes offers wine tours and tastings by prior appointment. Check the arrangements before your trip. Enotourism is among the activities at Fundação Abreu Callado, whose museum space is set up in a former granary. Ask in advance about specific visitor arrangements. Além Tejo – Eco Boat Tours also offers boat trips; check current operations before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Avis, Ervedal, Aldeia Velha, Benavila, Castelo De Vide, Portalegre, Espinho, Tramaga.
Back to the main travel overview: Portalegre.
