The entire region of Redondo has traces of prehistoric occupation, with numerous megalithic monuments of great interest, highlighting the Antas da Vidigueira, Colmeeiro, Venda do Duque and Candeeira.

The combination of fertile granite and schist soils makes it possible to produce one of the region’s largest assets: Wine. Becoming part of one of the selected Regions of Controlled Origin Denomination (D.O.C.) in the country.

Photo from Municipio do Redondo

Founded in 1956 by a group of 14 winegrowers, the Cooperativa de Redondo Winery is one of the largest wine producers in the Alentejo region, currently congregating around two hundred winegrowers. Among the winning wines in national and international competitions are the brands Real Lavrador, Porta da Ravessa, Anta da Serra and Reserva ACR.

Tradition remains firm in the Redondo. In this village, it is still possible to find artisans that produce utilitarian and decorative clay pots using ancestral methods

The clay found in this region is characterized by being able to withstand great temperature variations. The pieces decorated with simple floral motifs or portraying the daily life of rural Alentejo are characteristic features to be found in the Redondo pottery

The typical Alentejo furniture is handmade in bright colours that brighten up any household. Painstakingly small flowers or ribbons are drawn upon white, yellow, blue or green backgrounds

From the Redondo workshops emerge desks, beds, chairs and stools with straw seats, wardrobes and the most diverse articles

There are 5 artisans in Redondo, this being the workshop of Mr José M. Rosado Vicente, who once produced 700 chairs a month, now reduced to much less.

A national piece that deserves to be promoted

Every two years, the streets of Redondo are decorated with various objects, mostly brightly coloured paper flowers. It is a festival that goes back to the beginning of the 19th century, carefully prepared by the town people. Months before they begin to craft the paper flowers that will adorn the streets and compete for the prize of the most beautiful Street.

It happens every 2 years (odd years), usually in summer

Next to the Vila do Redondo, in the Serra D’Ossa, stands the beautiful and well-preserved Convent of São Paulo, also known as the Convent of São Paulo of the Serra de Ossa.

The Convent of St. Paul was once the home of the monks of the order of Jesus Christ of Poor Life. Founded the first buildings in the 4th century by the hermit monks, they would be destroyed by the earthquake of the year 446. Resistant to Roman, Visigoth and Arab invasions, the Convent was built in 1182, in the coolest and most pleasant part of the mountain

It was visited by illustrious figures such as the kings D Sebastian, D João IV, D Catarina de Bragança and D. Carlos, who picnicked in its gardens.

Several restorations works were made, most recently by the Leotte family, the present owner of this space who preserved and adapted it to a hotel unit.

Known for its impressive set of seventeenth-century Portuguese tiles with approximately 55 thousand tiles that line the staircases, corridors and chapels and which remain practically intact. They portray narratives of the Old and New Testaments, and the lives of Saints and Hermits

Guided tours may be provided, under appointment, between 15h-17h and without affecting the hotel operation

To stay at this hotel awarded by the European Museums Forum in 2012, for its work in ​​conservation and restoration and classified as Property of Public Interest, click here

The village of Alandroal was founded in 1298, by D. Lourenço Afonso, Master of Avis. Its name derives from the “alandros” (Nerium Oleander shrub)) that grow here abundantly, and whose wood is still used in local crafts

Alandroal Castle played an important role in the wars between Portugal and Spain. Were it not situated in a frontier village, and separated from Spain only by the Guadiana River. It is well maintained, with bold red doors that invite you to enter and wander through its schist courtyards, rich in history and culture.

An agreeable stroll through this small, well-kept village, will provide you with the typical whitewashed houses and fragrant orange trees, fine manors, the Monumental Fountain (12-13th century), the Igreja da Misericórdia (church) and one or two mouthwatering regional restaurants.

We thank Monte da Fonte Santa for the opportunity to see these magnificent works of VHILS and Bordalo II

Placed outside of its property, on the N255, to be appreciated by all, you will find a 27m mural by the artist Alexandre Farto (VHILS) of two faces representing the “Alentejano” (people who live in this region) and Artur Bordalo (Bordalo II) assembled, from pieces of trash, the “Big Trash Snail” that serves to remind us what Man is destroying with pollution.

Viana do Alentejo is a 27 km drive from Évora on the crossroad of ancient Roman roads (Alcácer do Sal, Évora and Beja). Viana do Alentejo played a prominent role in the strategic defence of Portugal

It was D Dinis who laid the foundations for the castle in 1313. It stands at the foot of the mountain range from which crystalline water that flows, supplying the various village fountains

The Baroque Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora D’Aires is found outside the village and has been visited by pilgrims since 1743. It holds an impressive collection of former vows demonstrating the profound faith the people have for the virgin

When D. Dinis granted the charter to this locality, he also donated the funds o build its Castle.

Of the castles’ original structure only the irregular pentagonal plant and part of its walls remain. It also houses two constructions that were added later: the Hermitage of Our Lady of the Assumption and the Church of the Misericordia. The latter with an imposing Manueline Portal of enormous symbology and beauty. Decorated with the royal insignia of D. Manuel: the Cross of Christ, the shield and the armillary spheres. It is a Manueline building, with clear Mudéjares influences, work of the architect Diogo Arruda.

In the enclosure of the castle, notice the unusual Manueline Cross depicting the Virgin of the Milk.

Viana do Alentejo annual market is on the 4th weekend of September and lasts for 4 days.

It arose from a promise made to Our Lady D’Aires by the merchants of Évora: In 1798 the population of Évora suffered from a terrible plague that, when cleared, merchants bestowed their gratitude to Our Lady D’Aires, by celebrating at the Sanctuary. These manifestations of faith and thanksgiving, repeated during the following years, expanded, tents and merchants increased and in 1754, by royal decree, the celebrations were considered Free Trade Fairs

This unusual and impressive pilgrimage connects the town of Moita to Viana do Alentejo. The pilgrims travel about 150 km, on horseback, through the old royal route, until they reach the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora D’Aires. One of the most important pilgrimages of worship to Our Lady in the Alentejo and one that has already become a tradition throughout the region

It takes place every year, on the fourth weekend of April, with arrival at the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora D’Aires (Our Lady of D’Aires), on the following Saturday

Alcáçovas has produced cowbells since the 18th century and was, for a time, its main industry.

For more than 200 years, the most diverse cowbells have been produced in this village using the same techniques and craftsmanship throughout times. Large bells for cattle and horses, medium for sheep and small for domestic animals. A family secret passed down from generation to generation

Formerly very coveted to hang around numerous animals’ necks and keep track of the herds’ whereabouts, nowadays with the placement of fences on pastures, superseding the shepherds that took their flocks to graze, the pleasant tinkling is heard less and less