The lovely small town of Montemor-o-Novo is situated in the heart of the Alentejo, a calm and relaxed region, with an important role in National history.
Montemor-o-Novo was the cradle of Saint John of God (whose real name was João Cidade), a friar and saint, who has become one of Spain's leading religious figures, spending all his energy caring for the neediest people, organizing his followers into the Order of Hospitallers, now better known as the Brothers Hospitallers of St. John of God.
It was also in Montemor-o-Novo that the Portuguese king D. Manuel the 1st decided to back the discovery of the maritime route to India, opening new worlds to the world.
Montemor-o-Novo was also an important stage of battles and conflicts over the centuries, known for its resistance capacity, like during the French invasions in 1808, and also during the long fascist dictatorship that governed the country.
All the surrounding area is characterized by its astonishing natural beauty, existing several Dams that provide great panoramas and also leisure and relaxing moments.
There are several monuments worth to be known like the Castle, the interesting Archaeological Museum located on the São Domingos Convent, the picturesque fountain, the Church of São João de Deus or the lovely Nossa Senhora da Saudação Convent.
Also, the megalithic heritage is quite rich and interesting, like the Pedra Longa Menhir, the Comenda da Igreja, Tourais, Velada and São Brissos Antas, or the superb Escoural Cave with upstream figures, among many others vestiges of ancient human occupation throughout the region.
Quite famous is the Handicraft made with regional products like basketry, leather and the famous pennyroyal liquor.
