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This church has a life-size wooden sculpture of Jesus carrying the cross, a wonderful piece of contemporary history.

According to various booking platforms, the lavishly restored former monastery now houses a 3-star hotel. During our visit in May 2025, the entire site appeared deserted.

This church already existed in the second half of the 13th century. Currently, this monument hosts art exhibitions as part of the Monsaraz Open Museum's exhibition cycle.

The oldest menhirs (standing stones) were erected in Portugal between 5000 and 4000 BC. The age of this menhir is unclear.

What's particularly interesting about the Xerez stone group is its square shape. The menhir is located in the center, surrounded by smaller stones. A concrete path leads from the Orada Monastery to it—is this really necessary? A regular path would certainly have sufficed. The entire area appears very neglected.

The Xerez Cromlech stands on open land, close to the Convent of Orada, and with a view of the walls of Monsaraz. It is the second "home" to prevent it from being submerged by the Alqueva dam. The 55 granite menhirs of the Xerez Cromlech have already been to other places because they were moved here, to the vicinity of the village of Telheiro, in 2004, to prevent submersion by the Alqueva dam. The cromlech was in front of Monte Xerez, close to a dolmen, about 5km from Monsaraz.

If you've ever been curious about the origin of the cork in your wine bottle, or questioned the composition of the notice board hanging in your workspace, then this guide is specifically designed to answer your queries. The cork oak, or Quercus suber, is a fascinating tree species that primarily grows in the Mediterranean region. Its unique bark is the source of the world's cork supply, a material that is used in a multitude of applications, from wine stoppers to insulation. In this all-encompassing guide, we will thoroughly investigate the mysteries of the cork oak, examining its native surroundings, its significance in the financial structures of Portugal and Spain, and the multitude of its applications. We will also take a close look at the cork production process, including the art of cork harvesting and the fascinating phenomenon of cork regeneration. Portugal and Spain stand as the global frontrunners in cork production, and much like the white oak of North America, the cork oak occupies a distinct position within the cultural and economic fabric of these nations. In Portugal, the montado landscapes are deeply intertwined with rural life, providing a source of income for many communities through cork production and other activities such as farming and beekeeping. In Portugal, the Montado landscapes are similarly important, with the cork oak providing a range of resources including cork, acorns for livestock, and wood for charcoal production. The cork industry in these countries is a significant employer, providing jobs in areas such as harvesting, processing, and manufacturing. Agroforestry, the practice of combining agriculture with forestry, is a key aspect of sustainable cork production. In the montado and dehesa landscapes of Portugal and Spain, cork oaks are grown alongside crops and livestock, creating a diverse and productive landscape. This form of land use not only provides a range of resources, including cork, food, and timber, but also supports a rich biodiversity and helps to conserve soil and water resources. This illustrates a prime instance of how humanity can coexist harmoniously with nature, utilizing resources sustainably.

The Alqueva Dam, located in the heart of the Alentejo, is one of Europe’s largest dams. Constructed on the Guadiana River and completed in 2002, it creates the Alqueva Reservoir, Western Europe’s largest artificial lake. The dam plays a crucial role in regional irrigation, water supply, and hydroelectric power generation. Additionally, it supports local tourism and wildlife habitats and exemplifies a completely transformational engineering achievement.