Castelo de Mourão Alentejo

Situated on the left bank of the Guadiana River, high above the town of Mourão, the Castle of Mourão is a striking example of tenacity and history spanning centuries. The castle, which was first constructed in the 14th century on top of earlier fortifications and medieval foundations, stands as a silent guardian over the Alentejo. Alentejo was in July, the height of summer, when most tourists steer clear of the area because of the unrelenting heat. Our hotel felt like an island in a vast expanse, almost encircled by one of the biggest man-made reservoirs in Europe. One morning, as I walked across the field to watch the sunrise, I could hear the sweet sounds of sheep bells. I followed the sound until I came to a calm scene with Castelo de Mourão in the distance. A solitary sheep moves toward its herd beneath a tree. Little dust particles are visible, catching the light. One hot air balloon, a well-known sight in Alentejo, is visible above me in the distant horizon. The strange peace is emphasized by the soft hissing of its burners. This was Alentejo—unexpected, timeless, and incredibly moving.