Messejana: History and Attractions

Messejana combines the history of a very old settlement with churches, historic buildings, and other attractions. Its founding date is unknown. Several later milestones provide a guide to the town’s history. If you choose Messejana as a destination for a hotel stay, you will encounter above all its municipal development, religious architecture, and various historic buildings. These themes make it possible to place the town in context through its historical periods and the variety of its attractions.

History between municipal independence and town charter

The development of Messejana stands out as a distinct historical context in the area around Aljustrel: Messejana was at times an independent municipality from the reign of D. Dinis onward. In 1512, under D. Manuel, Messejana received a new town charter. The Pelourinho de Messejana is thought to have been erected around the time the town charter was granted. The Pelourinho de Messejana is classified as a monument.

Architecture from different historical periods

The Torre do Relógio represents a different period: it was built in the 18th century and features Baroque, popular, and vernacular architecture. These terms emphasize different aspects: Baroque refers to a stylistic classification, while popular and vernacular draw attention to local building traditions. The combination therefore cannot be reduced to a single style designation. By comparison, the Pelourinho’s presumed date points to the 1512 town charter; the clock tower belongs to a later historical period. Those interested in architecture thus have two distinct chronological reference points to help put things in context.

Churches, a museum, and historic ruins

Attractions include the Igreja Matriz and the Igreja da Misericórdia, as well as the Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Assunção and the Ermida dos Santos Reis. The four names place two churches and two chapels alongside one another in the same selection. Other sites include the Museu Etnográfico, the Biblioteca Pública, and the ruins of the Convento Franciscano de Nossa Senhora da Piedade. The ruins of a medieval castle are also listed among Messejana’s attractions. Another of Messejana’s historic attractions is the fountain structure Fontanário de Alonso Gomes. The range therefore extends from religious buildings to a museum and library, historic ruins, and a fountain structure.

The castle and monastery ruins are distinct historical reference points: one is described as the ruins of a medieval castle, the other as the remains of the Franciscan monastery Nossa Senhora da Piedade. Those interested in historic buildings can distinguish these two types of remains rather than viewing them as a single subject. Together with the churches, museum, library, and Torre do Relógio, they offer a selection of different ways to explore Messejana’s local history.

Bullring: visit by permission

The Messejana bullring is located on the town’s main square, in the courtyard of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia care home. Permission is required to visit. If the bullring is relevant to your trip, make arrangements in advance.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Aljustrel, São João de Negrilhos.

Back to the parent travel overview: Aljustrel.