The building is steeped in history and has magnificent vaulted ceilings and medieval cloisters.

The small village of Crato is famous for its pottery, which is still made in the traditional manner. One  can still see the potters at work and purchase direct from the craftsmen.

Approximately twenty kilometres to the east is the walled town of Portalegre, near to the Spanish border. This town is overlooked by the ruins of a medieval castle.

Portalegre is the centre for tapestry production and silk weaving which over the ages has financed the building of the magnificent Baroque merchant houses and mansions.

Worth visiting are the municipal museum, with its collection of European tiles and ceramics, and also the Casa de Jose Regio which houses an extensive private collection of religious artifacts.

Alter do Chao, twelve kilometres south of Crato, is famous for its Royal Stud Farm founded in the eighteenth century by Dom Joao V.

The farm is open to the public.

The beautiful Lusitanian horses bred here are highly sought after world wide and are the favourites of the Lisbon Riding School.

The Pousada Flor da Rosa at Crato has luxuriously appointed guest accommodation. In the restaurant, the best of modern and traditional cuisine can be enjoyed in a  memorable setting.

The 24 rooms, including 5 superior rooms and 3 suites, all have private bathroom, bathing gowns, hair dryer, air conditioning, cable television, telephone, minibar, locker, writing desk and some have inter-connecting rooms. There is a lift.

The Pousada has a swimming pool, a snooker room and family games. In the area activities such as bird watching, carriage tours, horse riding, fishing or golf are also available.