Attractions and Places To See around Monforte - Top 4

The Cantar dos Santos Reses ("Singing of the Three Holy Kings") is an old Epiphany tradition in the village of Barbacena near Elvas in the Portuguese region of Alentejo. Every year on the night of January 6th, men wearing traditional berets and capes go from house to house singing. Their polyphonic songs are part of the regional Cante Alentejano tradition. The residents first listen from behind closed doors before inviting the singers inside and treating them to food, drinks, and small monetary donations.

The Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Nazaré (or Hermitage of Nossa Senhora da Nazaré) is located in Barbacena, in the municipality of Elvas, district of Portalegre. Main Features Architecture: It is an example of 18th-century religious architecture (18th century). Plan: It has a centralizing plan with a circular nave and a semicircular chancel, with a masonry dome ceiling. The circular shape refers to Renaissance ideas of perfection. Facade: It features a portal with a perfect arch in black and white marble. Setting: Next to the exit of the village, there is also the monumental Fountain of Nossa Senhora da Nazaré, built in 1935 and 1936, which forms the heritage site with the chapel in the background.

In the village of Barbacena (municipality of Elvas, in Alentejo), the tradition of Cantar dos Reis takes on a unique and deeply rooted identity, being locally known as Cantar dos Santos Reses 👑 The Tradition of the "Santos Reses" The Protagonists: On the night of January 5th (the eve of Epiphany), a choir of about 20 to 25 local men gathers to walk the streets. The Costume: The group is strictly dressed in the Alentejo fashion, wearing the traditional Alentejo cloak (or samarra) and beret to protect themselves from the cold of the plains. The Ritual: The men go from door to door singing the begging songs (historically called "descantes"). The residents reciprocate the singing by offering money, wine, and food products. In the past, these goods were used to support the most disadvantaged families in winter; today, the focus is on the pure preservation of heritage and community spirit.

The Jardim do Fosso in Arronches is the beating heart of the social and cultural life of the municipality. It is a much-loved, carefully maintained public space, which has received recent improvements such as new street lighting and a fountain. The garden is a focal point for significant annual events, including the festivities of St. John and the Alto Alentejo Dog Show, making it a welcoming and dynamic place for residents and visitors.

Beautiful bridge, on the side, below the road, swallows have built their nests, in the evenings they fly and hunt insects.

Bridge over the Caia river in Arronches.

Since the Jardim do Fosso is one of the most coveted spaces for citizens and visitors to the Municipality, it is imperative that it is presented in the best conditions to receive them, so that the Municipality, in addition to the daily maintenance already carried out in the green spaces of the community, has done some work to add even more vibrancy to this place. Having already replaced the public lighting in this garden, the Arronches City Council installed a new water source that gives a new look to the space that hosts annual events such as the São João Balls or the Alto Alentejo Dog Show.

Hiking trail created by the city along the creek.