Monsaraz from a distance

Monsaraz, Portugal - Region of Alentejo

Set on top of a hill at almost 200 meters is the walled in city of Monsaraz.  Olive groves, vineyards and cork-oak trees cover much of the Alentejo countryside, home of the world's most important area for growing cork.  The name Alentejo originates from Além-Tejo, which means "Beyond the Tagus River", separating the region from the rest of Portugal to the north and the Algarve region to the south.

Christmas time in Monsaraz

Monsaraz, Portugal - Region of Alentejo

 At Christmas time life size figures of a nativity scene can be found scattered throughout its streets.  In the background, behind a haze of fog, is the Church of Nossa Senhora da Lagoa built in 1561 taking the place of a previous church from the 13th century.

Alqueva Reservoir

Alqueva Reservoir - Region of Alentejo

This picture, with views of olive trees scattered throughout the countryside and the Alqueva Reservoir, was taken from the Monsaraz castle.  With a surface area of 250 square kilometers (almost 97 square miles), this reservoir is the biggest in Europe.  It is 83 kilometers long (approximately 51 miles) and has a perimeter of 1,100 km (about 684 miles).  The main source of its water is the Guadiana River which begins in Spain.

Castle of Monsaraz

Monsaraz, Portugal - Region of Alentejo

One of over fifty castles along the Spanish-Portuguese border, the castle of Monsaraz was added to this fortress city in the year 1310.  Curiously, it houses a bullring today.

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.

Monsaraz over a sea of clouds

Monsaraz, Portugal - Region of Alentejo

  

Monsaraz at daybreak - picture taken from the terrace of Casa Dona Antónia

Normally the color green can be seen for miles, but this particular morning broke over a sea of clouds.

Monsaraz at daybreak

Monsaraz, Portugal - Region of Alentejo

Monsaraz at daybreak - picture taken from the terrace of Casa Dona Antónia