Pousada De Arraiolos

Hotel Pousada Nossa Senhora da Assuncao is a new addition within a16th century monastery combining traditional and modern architecture in a sympathetic manner. The nearby town of Arraiolos is renowned worldwide for its magnificent hand woven carpets originally based on Persian designs. The Arraiolos carpets are more colourful and primitive in style and can be purchased at numerous outlets in the town. To see some of the originals visit the town hall or take a trip to Pelegrejinha 10 km to the east where there is a permanent exhibition in the Casa de Artes. Overlooked by the ruins of a once impressive 14th century castle the little white washed town of Arraiolos has a 16th century Misericordia containing some excellent examples of azulejos tiles. * The hotel is closed for renovation works from the 05th November 2012 until the 31st March 2013. This impressive fortified town is known as the Portuguese capital of the Renaissance. It attracted architects from all over Europe resulting in a rich architectural heritage. Within the Jardim Publico is the Palacio de Dom Manuel, to whom the Manueline style of architecture is attributed. The 2nd century Roman temple of Diana with fourteen Corinthian Columns is probably the best preserved in Portugal. Across from the temple the convent church of Sao Joao Evangelista has a fine collection of 18 thcentury ''azulejos'' and a Manueline altar. The patronage of the House of Avis between the 14th and 16th centuries, resulted in the building of magnificent palaces and the Jesuit University. Evora Cathedral Se is a blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture with an 18th century high altar, and the adjoining museum houses and abundance of interesting artifacts and relics. Worth a visit is the bizarre 15th century Capela dos Ossos whose walls are covered with the bones of monks. Approximately twenty kilometres north of Arraiolos is the tiny village of Pavia with a dolmen so large that a little 16th century chapel was built inside it.

Price: £168.00 from Otel