Pousada

Pousada History

Set on the slopes of the Esperança Mountain, just over 1 km from the town of Belmonte, the birthplace of Pedro Álvares Cabral, Belmonte Pousada was buit by renovating the ruins of the former Nossa Senhora da Esperança convent.

Before the monastery was erected, this was a hermitage site founded in the thirteenth century. Before that, ancient pagan cults probably used the same location. The Cabral family were patrons of the hermitage, and the image of Nossa Senhora da Esperanca on display today in the parish church of Belmonte, is thought to have been carried to Brazil by Pedro Álvares Cabral.

The Pousada preserved the monastery’s heritage intact (The site was classified as a building of public interest in 1986), included the amphitheatre architecture located in the pine woods of Esperança´s Mountain, and stunning landscape with views over the Cova da Beira region and Estrela’s Mountain. Inside, the chapel and sacristy have been converted into lounge and bar, and the careful restoration work is typical of the high standard applied since renovation work began in 1997. It is a good example of the harmonious blend of historical architecture and modern construction and comfort.

Guests can use the Pousada as a base for exploring the many historical monuments is the region, including the castle, the burial vault of the Cabral family, the Judiaria or Jewish Quarter, and the mysterious Centum Cellas, as well as the natural beauty and folk traditions of Serra da Estrela (Estrela´s Mountain), one of the Europe’s most important natural reserves.