Monsaraz, Alqueva and Their Cultural Treasures.
A group of members took part in an unforgettable event in Monsaraz, one of Portugal’s most stunning destinations! They prepared their MGs for a weekend filled with breathtaking landscapes, excellent gastronomy, and of course, the best company: our shared passion for MG cars.
May 10th
The weekend began with a guided visit to the village of Monsaraz, led by Dina Simão, Chief of Staff to the Mayor, who shared the history of the village and took us through the Rua Direita, stopping at the Museu do Fresco, the Igreja Matriz, and finally the Castle of Monsaraz, where the traditional group photo was taken.
Situated on a hilltop with a privileged view over the vast Alqueva Lake, Monsaraz is one of the oldest and best-preserved medieval villages in Portugal. With ancient roots — from prehistoric, Roman, and Moorish occupations — it was conquered by Christian forces in 1232 and played a strategic role in defending the frontier. Within its centuries-old walls, cobbled streets, and whitewashed houses, the village offers a truly authentic setting and a journey through the history and soul of the Alentejo.
At the centre of the village stands the Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Lagoa, a majestic 16th-century Baroque temple known for its gilded altars and beautifully ornate interior. Next door is the Museu do Fresco housed in the old town hall, featuring a rare 15th-century fresco of the Last Judgment, along with temporary exhibitions about the region’s heritage.
At the highest point of the village stands the Castle of Monsaraz, built in the 14th century by order of King Dinis. From its tower and the former parade ground — now a bullring — visitors can enjoy one of the most spectacular panoramic views of the Alqueva Lake and the Alentejo plains.
The experience wouldn't be complete without enjoying the local cuisine. The group had lunch at the renowned Sem-Fim Restaurant, housed in a former olive oil press, which combines tradition and creativity in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
In the afternoon, the group set off in convoy along the shores of the Alqueva towards the new village of Aldeia da Luz, where they visited the Museu da Luz, guided by Filipe Cardoso.
Just a few kilometres from Monsaraz, the Aldeia da Luz is a symbol of the connection between past and present. The original village was submerged by the Alqueva reservoir and later completely rebuilt. The modern Museu da Luz documents this process and preserves the memory of the displaced community, reflecting on identity, architecture, and landscape.
The day concluded with a group dinner at Montimerso SkyScape Country House, an exclusive retreat by the lake, where contemporary comfort meets the peaceful beauty of the Alentejo’s starry sky.
May 11th
On the following day, the group enjoyed a sailing tour on the Alqueva Lake aboard the Veleiro Sem-Fim, captained by Mr. Artur and Captain Almeida.
Built in 1913 in the Netherlands, the Sem-Fim originally transported goods such as flowers along Dutch canals. Its design features two side keels instead of a traditional central one, making it perfect for navigating the shallow shores of Alqueva — it can dock virtually anywhere. The boat measures 17 metres in length, 3.10 m in beam, has 90 m² of sails, a 12-metre mast, and a draft of just 50 cm. Later converted into a houseboat, it now sails with those who enjoy adventure — a vessel with a touch of pirate charm.
The Alqueva project, one of the largest hydraulic undertakings in Europe, was realised after decades of planning and debate. Completed in the early 2000s, the dam gave rise to the largest artificial lake in Europe, transforming the region in terms of agriculture, energy, and tourism. Today, the Great Lake offers boat tours, river beaches, stargazing, and nature-based tourism, all in a landscape where development harmoniously coexists with Alentejo’s tranquillity.
After the sailing trip, the group continued their convoy to Herdade da Herdadinha to visit the Ervideira Winery, where they enjoyed a wine tasting and light tapas lunch.
Ervideira is a Portuguese family-run winery producing wine since 1880, now managed by the 4th and 5th generations of the Leal da Costa family. With 120 hectares of vineyards spread across Vidigueira and Reguengos de Monsaraz, the winery’s mission is to produce truly unique wines, inspired by the figure of Count D’Ervideira, a symbol of legacy and tradition.
Blending tradition with innovation, Ervideira has pioneered practices such as night harvesting and refrigerated transport of grapes since 2000, helping to preserve the freshness of the fruit. This makes it the only winery in Alentejo that sells more white wine than red.
With around 35 wines in its portfolio — including fortified, sparkling, red, white, and the innovative Invisível (a white wine made from red grapes) — Ervideira also invests heavily in wine tourism, offering visitors authentic and memorable experiences.
To end the day, Ervideira awarded the photography contest prize held during the 184th Event of the MG Clube de Portugal: two bottles of wine and a jar of grape jam.
