Monsaraz

Monsaraz, Portugal - Region of Alentejo

Monsaraz, one of the oldest settlements in southern Portugal, belongs to the region of Alentejo.  It is a hilltop fortification which has been occupied since pre-historic times by many different groups of people: pre-Romans, Romans, Visigoths, Moors, Mozarabs, Jewish and Christians.  It is located just a few kilometers short of the Spanish border and has 150 or so permanent residents living here today in 16th and 17th century whitewashed houses.