It is worth exploring the
long Alentejo plains, dotted by cork trees at a patient pace, to find the "Pousada Castelo Alvito". Home to a long dynasty of barons favored by the king, this is most welcoming and comfortable fortified castle that you can find to rest in.
Welcome to the
Alentejo, where time is suspended to allow you to enjoy your holiday as smoothly as possible. To reach the Pousada Castelo Alvito you've already crossed many miles of panoramic and quiet roads, in which the fields of gold open your windows to golden and gentle hills, weaving hypnotically and setting the tone for the following few days: quiet, peaceful, relaxing. Let yourself be captivated and let the days wander to the pace of the fields. The Pousada Castelo Alvito opened in 1993 after the recuperation of the fifteenth century castle. This building has been classified, since 1910, as a
National Monument and an example of the best of the Portuguese architecture, which combines the architecture of the fortress and palatial residence and of Islamic, gothic and Manueline influences.
DESTINATION
On reaching the
village of Alvito, the sense of tranquility increases: the old houses, richly decorated with Manueline elements, indicate that this is no ordinary village. The long history of the influence of this village in the national and regional politics is completely outlined by the history of the family which received the first barony of the country.
LOCATION
The Alentejo village of Alvito is found around
30 km from Beja. A place that that both
couples and families find inviting for relaxation in a splendid location surrounded by luxury, charm and finesse.
BEDROOMS
With
20 rooms, this noble house is fully equipped to welcome you with the charm of yesteryear and the most modern comforts you could want. The Pousada bedrooms transcend a soothing atmosphere, with its canopy beds and detailed Moorish ceilings engraved by the Alvito Barons coat of arms.
The bedrooms are air-conditioned and include cable television, bathrobes and a mini bar. From the bedroom window you can take in the
splendid Alentejo.
SERVICES
The decor in original tiling, the
view of the garden designed by the brilliant Gonçalo Ribeiro Telles and the predominance of Moorish, Gothic and Manueline styles make this
castle the perfect setting for a stay of long days, interspersed with reinvigorating naps, refreshing swims and lengthily enjoyed meals. Rest in the richly decorated room with decorative pieces of the estate of the House of Bragança Foundation and stroll through the
various garden areas, which invite self-gathering or conviviality, isolation or sharing.
Be amazed by the ingenious irrigation system by gutters through the wheel of the well which, with the aid of gravity, guides the water through to all areas of the garden. Never a space was so appropriate to read the classics and let yourself be transported to an ancient world, where language was more careful, and the beauty, austere and dignified, cherished and cared for with all the weight of timelessness.
When spending a few days at the Pousada Castelo Alvito, the illuminated and romantic inner courtyard, the inspiring windows, the spaces of the old
wine cellars and stables transformed into living rooms - be sure to have a peek at the bins, the old castle refrigerators, where grain was stored in protected pots to hold out - will provide your holiday with an indefinable and charming aura of real-time suspension. The
sumptuous restaurant at the Pousada Castelo Alvito defers a true feast of flavours, shown through its regional dishes, traditional cuisine and wines.
HISTORY
The castle was constructed at the end of the fifteenth century under the authority of the town’s landlord the senior royal, João Fernandes da Silveira, with the title of Baron of Alvito being granted by D. Afonso V. This acknowledgement was later given to his son, the 2nd Baron, D. Diogo Lobo da Silveira, by D. João II in 1489 and by D. Manuel I
The castle is seen as a building of a mixture of military and palatial residential architecture, where you can see Islamic, gothic and Manueline influences. In 1993 it opened as a hotel belonging to the Pousadas de Portugal, of the Historic Design segment which gave homage to the region’s culture, both for the environment it offers as well as for its line of traditional regional dishes and the wine it has.
The garden is highlighted with its water mill irrigation in carved surfaces, showing with accuracy the farming environments and the enjoyment of the medieval castles.
