The Alentejo Castles Tour is the perfect way to discover the history of the Alentejo, its origins and culture, its endless landscapes, rich gastronomy and its people. If you want to take a historical tour of the Alentejo, this tour is perfect for you.
In addition to visiting Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986.

Arraiolos Castle was built in the early 14th century and is one of the few circular castles in the world. A few years later, it was donated to D. Nuno Álvares Pereira, who was granted the title of Count of Arraiolos. The fortification was remodelled during the Restoration of Independence, but was later abandoned and suffered severe damage in the 1755 earthquake.

In Évora, considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, we visited part of the three walls (castle and fortification) that protected it at different times in its history. From the Romans, Visigoths and Arabs to the Portuguese, through the famous Geraldo Sem Pavor, who conquered Évora in 1165. 
Later walls were built to protect the Portuguese court, which settled in Évora for some time. In the 17th century, some remodelling and modernisation brought towers, gates and walls that are still part of the daily life of the city's inhabitants today.

Valongo Castle is the least well known, but it is nonetheless one of the most beautiful in the Alentejo landscape, surrounded by vineyards and a pond, from where you can enjoy a fabulous sunset.

This castle is of Muslim origin, as attested by several Islamic inscriptions inside.
It was conquered by the Portuguese, by Geraldo Geraldes, at the same time as Évora.

Redondo Castle, with a round rock inside the original wall, was certainly the rock that gave the village its name.
This castle was built in 1250 by King Afonso III on the ruins of an ancient Roman fortress.
Six towers remain from the original castle. Two of them protect the Porta da Ravessa, a famous gate with a long history that gave its name to a well-known Alentejo wine.

Alandroal Castle was built during the reign of King Dinis. According to the inscription on one of the doors, the first stone was laid on 6 February 1294 by Lourenço Afonso, Master of the Order of Avis. A second inscription, on the west elevation of the keep, announces the completion of its construction on 24 February 1298, with D. Lourenço Afonso as Master of the Order. A third inscription, on the turret to the right of the main gate, critically dated between 1294 and 1298, mentions the name of its builder, who identified himself only as ‘Eu, Mouro Galvo’ (I, Moor Galvo). It has been considered a National Monument since 1910.

Monsaraz Castle, to end this tour on a high note, with its privileged location, situated on top of the hill overlooking the Guadiana, currently Europe's largest artificial lake – Lake Alqueva – and the border with Spain.
Named Sarish in Muslim times, it became Monte Sarish, Monte Saraz and finally Monsaraz.

After Geraldo Sem Pavor conquered it in 1167 during a military incursion that began in Évora, the Portuguese lost it again to the Moors shortly afterwards.
However, in 1232, King Sancho II finally recaptured Monsaraz with the support and assistance of the Knights Templar, to whom he ended up donating the beautiful Alentejo village.