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ALCACER DO SAL
Álcacer do Sal - Alcácer do Sal was conquered by many different peoples. Before the Roman occupation it was called Eviom and had trade with the Mediterranean countries. The Romans called it Salatia Urbs Imperatoria, bearing the coin stamp and with the same rights as the cities of Antigo Lácio.  Alcácer also was capital city of the Visigothic municipality, it was dominated by the Arabs at the end of the 8th century and then became one of the most important trade cities in the peninsula. It was conquered by the Vikings at the end of the 10th century. D. Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, tried to conquer it in 1158, but it only became a Portuguese village in 1217 with King Afonso II. King Manuel I married Princess D. Maria (the Spanish Catholic King's daughter), in Alcácer do Sal in 1500. By this time, the castle built by the Arabs had no military purpose any longer, and so became a Carmelita de Aracelli convent during the 16th century.  This Pousada is set in its thousand year old castle overlooking the valley where cork, rice and pine-nuts are produced.
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Pousada de Álcacer do Sal Dom Afonso II, Álcacer do Sal  *** 
Located not far from Lisbon, in the Álcacer do Sal castle overlooking the River Sado, which runs through a vast green valley. At this site, with 5000 years of History, that go back to the later Neolithic period, we come across a variety of important cultural remains, such as Phoenician, Arab or even Roman.  Featuring 37 guestrooms that are equipped with numerous modern amenities, the hotel also provides an in house restaurant that serves delicious cuisine.  Guests are sure to have a relaxing and enjoyable stay at the Afonso.
ALVITO
Alvito - Busy region since the Roman time, of which archaeological vestiges are diverse, the first documentary references are found from the donation of this area, from Alfonso III of Portugal (1248-1279) to his chancellor-mor, Estevão Anes, about 1255.  Alvito housed the sovereign in 1265, getting, according to custom, the inherent privileges, confirmed for letter-regal. Without heirs, Estevão Anes bequeathed in will to the Order of the Trindade, the town, the castle and the lands of Alvito, what indicates the existence of a structure of previous blockhouse in the place, to the time.  The progress of the village is certified by the institution, in 1296, of an annual fair.  In 1475, D. Afonso V (1438-1481) granted the title of baron of Alvito to Fernandes João da Silveira , employee whose descendants would come to be titleholders as marquises. Few years later, in 1482 , the sovereign granted to the baron and its wife the right to construct to a castle, granting to them the landlord of the village and the neighbouring towns there.
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Pousada de Alvito, Castelo de Alvito, Alvito *** 
With the restoration of an unusual 15th century castle in the village of Alvito, the beautiful Alvito Pousada was born. It honours the culture of the region, not only by its atmosphere, but also by its traditional gastronomy and wines. What used to be the agricultural land of a medieval castle, is now a superb garden.  The property provides 20 comfortable guestrooms that are well furnished and fully equipped with modern amenities.
ARRAIOLOS
Arraiolos - located in the District of Évora.
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Pousada de Arraiolos - Nossa Senhora da Assuncao Arraiolos ***
The starting point for the Pousada was the restoration of a sixteenth century convent situated in a valley in Arraiolos a city that is world-famous for its carpets. The Pousada is an example of the achievement of perfect harmony between the traditional and modern concepts of Portuguese architecture and a felicitous example of adapting the austerity of a convent to today's standards of comfort. A wonderful excuse to get to know the traditional art of carpet-making. 
BEJA
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Pousada de Beja - Sao Francisco
In the former 13th century Franciscan Convent located in the heart of the historical centre of the Alentejo town of Beja, we find this impressive Pousada. Combining the mystic monument with the needs of today's standards of well-being and comfort, the São Francisco Pousada, with its magnificent cuisine, allows guests to relax both body and mind.
CRATO
Crato - At the time of the second half of the fourteenth century, friar Álvaro Gonçalves Pereira, the hospital prior, ordered the building of the Pousada Flor da Rosa Monastery, where he would live, in the places which formed the annex.  These building, with their medieval roots, have a gothic structure, from which certain architectural details from other ages emerge from time to time, particularly Manueline (sixteenth century) features as a result of subsequent building work.  Built on eminently defensive line, this palace-cum-monastery has architectural features, such as towers, window slites and solid block construction, which give it the appearance more of a fort than a monastic house.  Taking advantage of the restoration required after a violent earthquake in 1755, a number of architectural innovations were introduced to the church. After the elimination of the religious orders in Portugal in 1834, the monastery was abandoned, which greatly accelerated its decay and ruin. Thus, when at the end of the nineteenth century a violent storm devastated the region, the torrential rains caused the roof of church nave to collapse, among other things. It was not rebuilt until many years later.
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Pousada do Crato - Flor da Rosa, Crato ***
Situated in Crato, 60 kilometres from Estremoz is the monastery Flor da Rosa Pousada which used to belong to the order of hospitable.  All guestrooms are well equipped with modern amenities to offer a comfortable stay.  The hotel is large with a capacity for 100 people and offers international and regional cuisine.  During leisure, guests can relax at the swimming pool, play a game of snooker.
ELVAS
Elvas - The city of Elvas is located near the border between Portugal and Spain and is on the main highway between Lisbon and Madrid. It is believed that the town has been originally developed by the Romans and it has suffered many conflicts in its history. It was liberated from the occupying Moors in 1229 and since that date in a period of some 600 years, it suffered numerous attacks and was the subject of peace treaties between the neighbouring Spain.  During the War of Independence between the two countries (1640-1668), the battle of Linhas de Elvas in 1659 was notable for the decisive defeat of the invading Spanish who had besieged the Portuguese army in the town and was then successfully relieved by Portuguese troops from Estremoz. In its more recent history its claim to fame was when it was used by the Duke of Wellington as his headquarters in his siege of the neighbouring Spanish town of Badajos.
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Pousada de Elvas - Santa Luzia, Elvas ***
Opened in 1942, the Santa Luzia Pousada was the first of the Pousadas de Portugal and is a fine example of typical Alentejo architecture. Today, it offers its guests not only all possible comfort but also the best Alentejo cuisine.  It features 25 rooms, all air-conditioned and well equipped with several amenities. The hotel also provides a restaurant and recreational activities such as a swimming pool and tennis court. 
ESTREMOZ
Estremoz - In 1259, D. Afonso III recognized the geostrategical situation of Estremoz, granted it a charter in Santarém and the castle was founded.  From the beginning, the castle has been associated with the Tower, thought to be the work of three kings - D. Afonso IV, D. Pedro and D. Fernando. This is the origin of the traditional name - Tower of the Three Crowns - symbolized by the marble pinnacle in the East corner of the upper terrace.  A few years later, D. Dinis ordered the building of his residence here. 
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Pousada de Estremoz - Rainha Santa Isabel, Estremoz ***
Formally a castle, Rainha Santa Isabel Hotel Pousada is located on a hilltop, just outside of Estremoz, with panoramic views of the town and countryside. You can visit numerous attractions such as Santa Maria Church, Municipal Museum of Estremoz and Rainha Santa Isabel Chapel.  The hotel offers 33 air-conditioned guest rooms and suites, each with an en-suite bathroom. Guests can dine and relax at the restaurant and bar and also spend time at the swimming pool.
EVORA
Évora - The building where the Pousada dos Lóios is located is the former Monastery of the S. João Evangelista or the Lóios Congregation. Founded on 1485 by D. Rodrigo Melo, 1st Olivença´s Count and constructed with the demand of D. João II, in grounds where part of the Evora’s Castle, with Arabian origins, had existed.  Of this castle there only are some ruins, because it was destroyed by a fire in the revolution of 1383-85 that delineates the battles of the D. Joao’s supporters, who would became king.
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Pousada de Évora Lóios, Évora ***
In the heart of historic centre of Évora, which is classified as a world heritage city, stands the Loios Pousada. Originally a convent and one of Évora's most precious architectural buildings, this charming pousada is the perfect destination for any guest travelling through Portugal. Guests staying at the Évora Pousada have all the modern comforts a traveller requires to relax, such as a swimming pool and a restaurant that specialises in traditional cuisine. Loios Pousada offers 32 guest rooms.
MARVãO
Marvão - The idea of building a Pousada to welcome visitors to Marvão was first mooted in 1946. Plans were drawn up for building a hotel on the site of the present town council buildings. It is said by some that the project failed to go ahead because of rivalries between Marvão and the neighbouring town of Castelo de Vide.  However, an energetic townsman, Jeremias da Conceição Dias, inherited a house and combining his own resources with a bank loan, managed to buy the sexton’s house next door, using them both to open the first tourist accommodation in this historic town, the aptly named “Estalagem Ninho D’Águias” (Eagles’ Nest Inn).
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Pousada de Marvão - Santa Maria Marvão ***
Located just 6 kilometres from the Roman ruins in Ammaia, Santa Maria Pousada Marvão is a perfect destination for those who wish to explore the surrounding areas. At almost 1000 metres above sea level, the village of Marvão has a panoramic view of the Alentejo plain.  The hotel offers 29 comfortable guest rooms that open up to exceptionally beautiful scenery. All rooms are equipped with a satellite TV, telephone and a mini bar. Other facilities in the hotel include an in house restaurant and cocktail bar. 
SANTA CLARA-A-VELHA
Santa Clara-a-Velha - The original building where today the Inn is placed was constructed jointly with the dam, that it was inaugurated in 1969. Initially it the house of the engineers who construction the Barrage, remaining itself thus until being acquired by the Enatur and being reopened as Pousada de Portugal in 1979, with reduced lodging capacity, 6 rooms only.  In May 1994, the Inn closed for workmanships of remodelling and magnifying under the trace of the Architect Corrêa Guedes, reopening in May 1996, already with 19 rooms The official inauguration happened one year later, in May 1997, remaining itself as it is until the present.  A scene of extraordinary beauty, where the natural landscape and the workmanship of the man coexist, he was the chosen one for the Inn of Saint Clara.
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Pousada de Santa Clara-a-Velha, Santa Clara-a-Velha ***
The Santa Clara Pousada is situated near the beaches of the S. Vicente Coast, surrounded by a breathtaking mountain and close to the Sta Clara dam. All the 19 rooms consist of a private balcony overlooking the swimming pool, which provides tranquillity and relaxation you need. On the whole, the Santa Clara Pousada is a peaceful place, which is ideal for fishing, water sports and many other activities. 
SANTIAGO DO CACéM
Santiago do Cacém - Although the concept of this Pousada is based in the nature’s peace, for more interested people there also are historical attractions, like the Santiago Castle, or re Roman Ruins of Miróbriga, considered the widest and most complete of the south of Portugal.  The council of Santiago de Cacém, typical region of Estremadura is characterized by the finest views over the sea, the mountains, the lagoons, the dams and the up hills, everything amazes the imagination.  There are beaches with a big extension of sand, bathed at one side by the calm waters of the Santo André Lagoon, and at the other by the Atlantic waves. During summer, there are many visitors.  The archaeological vestiges exposed in this region reflect the human presence since the Palaeolithic, when man kind lived in caves and from what we would hunt with very rudimentary utensils.
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Pousada de Santiago do Cacém - Quinta da Ortiga, Santiago do Cacém ***
Quinta da Ortiga Pousada is situated on an Alentejo farm estate, a few minutes from Santiago do Cacem and the S. Vicente Coast beaches. It has a beautiful chapel and is encircled by a magnificent landscape crossed by a refreshing river and terraced gardens. There are numerous interesting cultural-historic sites nearby such as Santiago castle, the Mirobriga Roman ruins and museums. All rooms are air conditioned and equipped with modern amenities such as mini bar and telephone. Featuring a swimming pool, the hotel also provides a restaurant and bar.
SOUSEL
Sousel - The Sousel village is located in Alentejo, 17km far away from Estremoz and 55km from Portalegre, a region with rare beauty, with a fertile land and many riversides. This village was founded by the constable D. Nuno Alvares Pereira and is surrounded by lands that are known for having many species with cynegetic interest.  Not far away form the village, on the top of the São Miguel hillock, is the Pousada São Miguel, the first cynegetic tourism space of Portugal, being equipped with a kennel.   But not only the hunting lovers may look for this Pousada, as near it there is the most ancient bull-ring of Portugal and the Maranhão dam (25 km), which makes it possible to fish and do water sports.
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Pousada de Sousel - São Miguel, Sousel ***
Situated on a hill overlooking the vast Alentejo plains, stands the peaceful São Miguel Pousada. Guests can also visit numerous places of interest such as Estremoz, Evoramonte Castle, Pavia Dolmens and many more, close by. São Miguel offers 28 rooms and 4 suites, each with a private bathroom. Featuring a bar and restaurant, the hotel also provides a swimming pool. Meetings and banquets can also be held at São Miguel.
TORRãO
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Pousada de Torrão - Vale do Gaio, Torrão ***
The Pousada Vale do Gaio is set in an idyllic location overlooking the Torrão reservoir, in the heart of the Alentejo plains. This beautiful spot is the ideal base for anyone who enjoys water sports or wishes to explore the charming Portuguese countryside.   The hotel offers 14 fully equipped guest rooms, each with a private bathroom. Equipped with a swimming pool and a restaurant, this pousada is sure to suit any traveller looking to relax during their vacation. Guests can enjoy the sunsets at the terrace, overlooking the dam.
VILA VIçOSA
Vila Viçosa - Around 1514, the Fourth Duke of Bragança, Dom Jaime, decided to found a religious house close to his palace in Vila Viçosa. It would serve dual purpose of Pantheon for the ladies of his House, and would take in the daughters from his second marriage, who could not find noble husbands.  Nobody knows the exact date of the foundations, although documentary evidence suggests that they date back to 1514. At that time, the Duke of Bragança was undertaking a great number of works in the town, especially the new castle and the city walls.   Despite its local character, thins convent, designed in the early fifteen hundreds, revealed the new aesthetic tastes of the Renaissance - the cultural movement which began in Italy in the late fourteenth century - brought to Portugal by João de Ruão and Nicolau Chanterenne. This influence can be seen not only in certain architectural features, in the design of the church doorway, but also in the layout as a whole, in the way the building surrounds the large square, Terreiro do Paço.   One of the most interesting features of the buildings is the marble doorway. Italian influences combined with the tradition and tastes of local architects."
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Pousada de Vila Viçosa - Dom João IV, Vila Viçosa ***
Dom João IV Pousada is set in the former convent of Chagas de Cristo, in the historical village of Vila Viçosa and still preserves the original architecture. One can enjoy the lush green surroundings and visit the several monuments close by. Guests have 34 comfortable rooms at their disposal at the hotel. The hotel's restaurant serves exquisite dishes to feast on. Meeting and conference facilities are also offered for business travellers. 


 

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Latest update:  August 12, 2006