Previously a Palace, Convent
and Castle, built in different periods resulted in this architectural masterpiece. Pousada do Crato is located in the Alentejo region of Portugal.
The restoration of this magnificent
Pousada was under the direction of the famous architect Joao Luis Carrilho
da Graca.
Pousada do Crato has accommodation
in the sympathetically restored fortress of the order of the Hospitaller
Knights.
This awe inspiring building
was built for the order which was founded in the 14th Century. The gardens
remain as the original design and are laid out in the design of the Cross
of Malta.
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 way.
One can still see the potters at work and purchase direct from the craftsmen.
Approximately 20 kilometres
to the east is the walled town of Portalegre, near 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, 12 kilometres
south of Crato, is famous for its Royal Stud Farm founded in the 18th 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 do Crato has
luxuriously appointed guest accommodation. 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.
Facilities include lift, restaurant, bar, terrace, swimming pool, snooker, games room and parking.
In the restaurant, the best
of modern and traditional cuisine can be enjoyed in an unforgetable setting.
This Pousada also has conference
facilities.
In the area activities
such as hunting, fishing, golf, falconry shows, carriage tours and horse
riding are available.
The
international airport at Lisbon (Lisboa) is approximately 207 kilometers
from this Pousada of Portugal.
|
