Montemor-O-Novo: Culture, Crafts and History

Montemor-O-Novo can be explored through its different facets: a medieval street layout and traces of Manueline art, exhibitions on local history, traditional building crafts and railway heritage. There is also a culinary offering that brings together local cuisine, oenology and the wines of Quinta da Plansel. If you would like to combine your hotel stay with culture, these themes offer something to suit a range of interests.

City history on foot and in exhibitions

The “Centro Histórico | Arrabalde” walking route passes through streets with a medieval layout and highlights architectural features, particularly traces of Manueline art. It draws attention both to the street plan and to specific artistic details. If you like to explore city history through architecture, you’ll find both here in one theme.

The Centro Interpretativo do Castelo offers a broader perspective across time: its permanent and temporary exhibitions present aspects of Montemor’s history and development from antiquity onward. The centre is housed in the former 14th-century church of S. Tiago. Two historical periods thus meet here: the century in which the former church was built and the town’s development since antiquity, explored in the exhibitions.

The Castelo de Montemor-o-Novo is the original enclosure of the former town. Its connection to the town’s former layout sets it apart from the interpretive centre’s exhibitions: here, the enclosure itself is the tangible historical subject. The Convento de São Domingos also adds to the picture of the area’s architectural history. Its construction dates back to the 16th century, and the former convent church preserves a significant ensemble of wall paintings and azulejo decoration. The museum at the convent also includes archaeology and pottery sections.

Crafts and local cuisine

At the Telheiro da Encosta do Castelo, traditional building materials such as tijolo burro and tijoleira are made by hand. From March to October, production takes place outdoors using wooden moulds. During this time, the materials dry in the sun and are then fired in wood-fired kilns. Moulding, sun-drying and firing are all part of a clearly defined production process. If you’re interested in traditional materials, this process offers another way to explore Montemor-O-Novo’s cultural heritage, alongside the names of the materials themselves.

Quinta da Plansel offers wine-and-dine menus that combine local cuisine with oenology and its own wines. This provides a distinctive culinary highlight for travellers who would like to explore local food and wine together.

Another perspective on railway heritage

Railway heritage is another distinct theme. A route takes in the former railway bridge over the Almansor River, former railway station buildings, stops and level crossings, as well as other elements of railway heritage. Comparing it with the walking route through the historic area reveals two different perspectives: the latter focuses on the medieval street layout and traces of Manueline art, while this route takes in the bridge and various elements of the former railway infrastructure. When planning your trip, you can therefore decide whether you’re more interested in urban architecture, exhibitions, crafts, cuisine or railway history.

Discover more destinations: Cabrela, Olheiro, Amendoeira, Foros de Vale Figueira, Lavre, São Cristóvão

Return to the main travel overview: Montemor-O-Novo.