Vila Vicosa to Flor da Rosa

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The direct route from Vila Vicosa to Flor da Rosa probably only takes two hours but one of the aims of travelling is exploration and learning and so we lingered along the way. We chose country roads rather than the motorway because we wanted to enjoy the views, the trees and the flowers.

Winter flood damage

In the tourist office in Monforte we heard there had been very heavy rains over the winter. Several towns were cut off, or flooded and this was not the only road which had been damaged.

Winter storm damage
Winter storm damage

Monforte

Monforte is a small walled town which sits on top of a hill overlooking the Ribeira Grande and the lush Alentejo. We had stopped here before and, as before, wandered round the walls, enjoyed the views and then settled down to a coffee before moving on.

Habitation in this area has been traced to the Neolithic period, 10,000-2,000BC, and there are also many Roman remains – villas, bridges, roads. Today life appears very quiet indeed and we were told many residents are keen to sell up.

Main square in Monforte
Praca Republica, the main square in Monforte
The Priory built against the walls in Monforte
Decorated house, called the Priory, built against the walls

The Church of Santa Maria Magdalena stands just outside the town walls and today it is a museum with Roman and other artefacts. It was closed when we walked past but I peered in through an open door to see someone undertaking what looked like restoration work.

Church of Santa Maria Magdalena outside the walls
Church of Santa Maria Magdalena outside the walls
Restoration? work inside the church of Maria Magdalena
Restoration? work inside the church

The Alentejo

But it was the countryside which made the day special. We drove through cork oaks, olive trees, endless vineyards and fields and fields of wild flowers.

Vineyards between Vila Vicosa and Monforte
Vineyards
Trees just coming into leaf between Vila Vicosa and Monforte
Trees just coming into leaf
Sheep and lambs
Sheep and lambs
Cork oaks and granite boulders
Cork oaks and granite boulders
Cork oaks
Cork oaks

Flor da Rosa Monastery

The Monastery dates from the 14th century and is now a Pousada and a magnificent hotel in a small village up the road from Crato. We have stayed here several times in the past so may I direct you to a post from a few years ago; nothing changes!

View from the hotel bedroom
The view from the hotel bedrooms

The time in Vila Vicosa was all too short and we were on the road again, travelling from Vila Vicosa to Flor da Rosa where we settled for the next five nights.

Further posts on these areas:

Photographs of Monforte

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