Avis: Maranhão Reservoir and the History of the Order

The Maranhão Reservoir is a distinctive starting point for exploring Avis. Its 46-kilometre-long body of water runs through the entire municipality of Avis and covers approximately 1,960 hectares. The water and the history of the military order give a stay different points of focus: activities on the lake are complemented by historic buildings and museums.

Water, beach and hiking route

The reservoir is suitable for rowing, canoeing, windsurfing, fishing, water skiing and swimming. Which activities are available on site may depend on local conditions. Praia Fluvial do Clube Náutico de Avis is an inland beach on the Maranhão Reservoir and is integrated into the Clube Náutico de Avis complex.

Those who want to experience the lakeside landscape on foot can take PR1 AVS “Espelho de Água do Maranhão de Avis”, a 7.1-kilometre route. It is rated easy, with an estimated walking time of two to three hours. The path follows the reservoir shore through landscapes of cork and holm oaks and offers views of Avis. The route is part of the municipality’s network of walking trails and is also part of TransAlentejo. Check local conditions before setting out. A project also created a safe and pleasant walking connection from the town to Clube Náutico.

The history of the Order in Avis

The history of the castle dates back to the early 13th century. In 1211, the lands of Avis were handed over to the members of the Milícia de Évora so that they could build a castle there and enable settlement. Construction of Castelo de Avis is believed to have begun in 1214, when D. Fernão Anes was master of the Order. The walls and Castelo de Avis have been classified as a National Monument since 16 June 1910.

The CIOA – Centro Interpretativo da Ordem de Avis presents a permanent chronological exhibition on the history of the military Order of São Bento de Avis over the centuries. It is housed in part of the former Convento de São Bento de Avis. The monastery itself was built in the first half of the 13th century. Its rooms and architectural features include the church, the old cloister, the cistern, the chapter house, the reading room, the refectory, the dormitory and the Masters’ Palace.

The MusCA – Museu do Campo Alentejano is also housed in several rooms of the former monastery, including the chapter house and the monks’ reading room. Its predominantly ethnographic collection showcases agricultural and pastoral activities, with the Montado landscape featuring as a defining element of regional culture. An inclusive exhibition area offers tactile objects and Braille labels for visitors with visual impairments.

More historic sites and planning your visit

Capela de Nossa Senhora d’Entre Águas dates from the 15th century and has been altered over the centuries. Roman structural features are incorporated into the chapel, and a Roman inscription is also set into its rear wall. Cisterna Medieval Camarária has formed part of the town’s water supply since the Middle Ages. The marble Pelourinho de Avis dates from the 16th century and was substantially altered in the 18th and 19th centuries. A 17th-century mural in the main altar area of Igreja de São Saturnino e Aroeira depicts the Evangelists.

The Avis Tourist Office welcomes visitors and tourists and offers guided tours of the historic centre by prior arrangement. The free Your Travel Avis app is available for Android and iOS; it includes a driving route through the entire municipality and a walking route in the historic centre. The CAA – Centro de Arqueologia de Avis is also housed in part of the São Bento de Avis monastery complex, which is classified as a Property of Public Interest. It has been based there since January 2011; the CAA offers guided tours by prior arrangement. The stated opening hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.; check the hours before your visit.

Wine, boat trips and aquatic tourism

Herdade Fonte Paredes offers wine tours and tastings by prior arrangement; confirm the arrangements before your trip. Enotourism is also among the activities of Fundação Abreu Callado, whose museum area is housed in a former granary.

Além Tejo – Eco Boat Tours offers boat trips. Azenhas da Seda offers aquatic tourism. Confirm that these activities are currently operating before your trip. PR1 provides a specific time frame, with an estimated duration of two to three hours; guided tours of the historic centre and tours at the CAA are available by prior arrangement.

Discover more destinations: Ervedal, Aldeia Velha, Benavila, Avis, Crato E Mártires, Nisa, Santa Eulália, Alpalhão.

For the broader travel overview: Portalegre.