Exploring Moura: Unveiling the Charm and Legends of a Historic Village in Beja

Discovering Moura: A Charming Village Steeped in History and Legends

Moura, a picturesque village located in the district of Beja, Portugal, is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of history, folklore, and natural beauty. Nestled amidst rolling hills, Moura is known for its ancient Muslim castle and captivating legends of enchanted beings. Let's take a closer look at the key highlights of this enchanting destination.

Ancient Muslim Castle and Enchanting Legends

Moura's most prominent landmark is its old Muslim castle, which stands as a testament to the region's rich history. The castle bears traces of Islamic structures from the 12th and 13th centuries, providing a glimpse into the village's past under Muslim rule.

Legend has it that Moura is home to enchanted beings known as the Enchanted Moors. These fantastic creatures, rooted in Portuguese and Galician folklore, possess supernatural powers. Among them is Princess Moura, an enchanted Muslim woman who resides in the castle and falls in love with a Christian knight from the age of the Reconquista.

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The village's coat of arms features an image of Moura Salúquia, a Moorish princess who tragically jumped from the tower of the castle out of unrequited love. It is interesting to note the resemblance between the figure on Moura's coat of arms and Tarot Card No. 16, known as "the Tower."

Thermal Springs

On the Castelo hill, Moura boasts several thermal springs with reputedly beneficial properties for the digestive and renal systems. These springs were scientifically recognized for their similarities to Vichy water in the mid-19th century. Today, the water is bottled and sold as "Águas do Castelo," providing visitors with a taste of the village's natural wonders.

In 1901, the Thermal Building was inaugurated, and it continues to operate, offering visitors the opportunity to indulge in the therapeutic benefits of these natural springs.

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The Citadel and Alcaçova

The village of Moura is divided into four distinct areas, each with its own charm and historical significance. Among them are the Citadel and Alcaçova, which offer a glimpse into the village's fortified past.

Inside the castle's walled enclosure, archaeological zones reveal Islamic structures from the 12th and 13th centuries, hidden beneath the military constructions of the 18th-century barracks.

The ruins of the Convent of S. Domingos, a Dominican nuns' convent built in the 16th century, can also be found within the castle. Destroyed by the 1755 earthquake, only the church was rebuilt, preserving its historical significance.

Moura's Historical Center

Moura's historical center is a treasure trove of well-preserved medieval architecture and charming streets. One area worth exploring is the ancient Mouraria, where medieval houses once stood alongside the primitive Santa Maria Church.

As you explore deeper into the historic center, you'll encounter the Church of São João Baptista, which replaced the smaller Church of Santa Maria as the village's main church during the 15th and 16th centuries. What sets this church apart is its unique replication of the main structure on its side walls, creating an expansion of available space.

Curious Landmarks

As you wander through the village, make sure to visit Largo Gago Coutinho, where you'll find the intriguingly named "Garden of the Evil Faced." Here, you'll also discover the Grande Hotel de Moura, which occupies a building of significant historical value. Once a convent founded by the Hospitaller Order of São João de Deus in the 17th century, it was later adapted into a hotel by the Águas Castello company in 1900.

Moura, with its captivating legends, historic landmarks, and natural wonders, offers visitors a unique experience filled with charm and cultural richness. Whether you're exploring the ancient castle, indulging in the benefits of thermal springs, or getting lost in the village's maze-like streets, Moura is a destination that will leave a lasting impression.

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Explore the charming town of Moura and discover its rich history and natural beauty. Embark on excursions to the ancient castle, visit the local wineries, or take a leisurely boat ride on the Alqueva Lake. Immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of this hidden gem in Portugal.

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