Alcáçovas is a friendly village with many amenities, an old palace, bakery, supermarket, shops, restaurants, swimming pool, churches, a park with kiosk, terrace and playground. The house is on the edge of the village but everything is within walking distance. In 1479 was signed in the Treaty of Alcáçovas between Spain and Portugal. A village with history!
Places to visit are Évora , Estremoz and Monsaraz. or perhaps a day at the beach or day trip to Lisbon.
Alcáçovas is a not too small village with about 2000 inhabitants in the Alentejo. It is situated between places like Évora, Montemor-o-Novo and Viana do Alentejo on a hill. It is also a place with a famous and royal past. In the middle of the village is an old 15th century palace which is currently being restored.
There are several old churches. At the highest point stands the Igreja Matriz, also known as Igreja do Salvador. From the square in front of the church you have a beautiful view of the surroundings and watching the valley towards Montemor.
Horta do Rossio do Pinheiro is the old name of the farm house, with its back to the exit at Montemor. A quiet thoroughfare. On the square (Rossio) is a large pine tree (Pinheiro), hence the name of the farm.
The village center is within walking distance and opposite the petrol station is the restaurant “O Chocalho”. The owner, Josephine, has lived in Germany and sp
eaks perfect German and is an excellent cook. The other restaurant in the street (rua de Esperanca 45) opposite to the grocery shop “Grosso” is of good quality. The owner speaks good english.
In the same street there is a museum of cow bells. Ask the people for “chocalho” which means cow bel. They will help you, even to find the owner. The museum is dedicated to showcase the animal bels from the private collection of this family business which sadly now without successors. The last owner takes you around for a small voluntary contribution.
Above is a photo of one of the beautiful tile panels in the full tiled church, Igreja Matriz, is found.
In 2010, a new municipal (outdoor) swimming pool realized with an exit portion for the winter, lovely sunbathing area and cafe / restaurant. There can swim all year round!
The library of the village, which is right next to the park, also has an internet café.
Every year the pilgrimage of carriages, carts, horses and riders past our house and the village. A pilgrimage is made of five days through the Alentejo ending in Viana do Alentejo at the Church of Nossa Senhora D’Aires.
Recurring festival weekend are in mid-August the Festa de São Geraldo at Ermida de São Geraldo , on the outskirts of the village. It all revolves around the little white church that is used only a few times a year.
There are other festivities with many ( folk ) music and ( sometimes free ) food.
Here are some pictures of one of those parties where two weeks were long performances every day.
Fantastic scenes we have seen there. Next to the library is a nice park , Jardim Público , with all kinds of amenities for every age . A fenced playground for children, football , benches and seats , fountain, music stage , a kiosk with terrace where you can buy an ice cream or a drink you all under some beautiful palm trees .
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