Photos courtesy of Pousada de Alvito
Archaeological evidence suggests that the Romans first settled in the area, and documentation of the 13th century mentions Alfonso III ceding the property to his chancellor, Estevão Anes.
In 1475, Dom Afonso V granted the title of baron of Alvito to Fernandes Jo‹o da Silveira and permission to build the castle.
The famed earthquake of 1755 caused quite a bit of destruction to the castle. Reconstruction took place soon after.
Pamela’s Perspective
The atmosphere at Alvito, the castle, town, and surrounding countryside, is very quiet, but that, in my opinion, is part of the attraction. Even the hotel suggests: “We invite you to take a walk through Alvito and discover its hidden treasures, but make it slowly!” This is a very typical and unspoiled region of Portugal, perfect for a side trip off the beaten path.
Pousada de Alvito
A 15th-century castle
Contact
7920-999 Alvito
Tel: ++351 284 480 700
Fax: ++351 284 485 383
Official pousada website
Reserve with Booking.com
Fast facts
19 rooms; 1 suite
Double rooms: 100–192 euros
Suite: 135–224 euros
Rates include breakfast, tax,
and service.
Packages available
Open: beginning of April through December
In 2016, opens July 1.
Getting there
Alvito is located where the N257 and N258 come together. The castle is in the center of town.
What to do
On site: swimming pool
Nearby: canoeing; bicycling;
hiking; horseback riding; wine
tastings
In the heart of the Alentejo region, one drives through kilometers of rather stark countryside punctuated by occasional cork and oak trees until the whitewashed town of Alvito. The area is famed for its wine, and signs point the way to vineyards offering tastings.
The castle of Alvito, located right in the middle of town, combines Mudéjar and Gothic styles of architecture. Although there has been quite a bit of reconstruction, one still feels its medieval origins from the vaulted Gothic ceilings, red-tile floors, and oil paintings.
Guest rooms are generous with modern bathrooms. Those on the 2nd floor have stone window benches and arched Moorish windows that look out across the town.
Outside, a leafy garden, filled with orange trees, cypresses, and palms, and a swimming pool offer a pleasant area in which to relax. There are even a few strutting peacocks. A nice touch is a shady arcade covered with grape vines.
Something special
The castle is registered as a National Monument.