The Castle of Monsaraz rests beside the Guadiana River atop a hill rising from the Alentejo plain. For centuries, it served as a watchtower over the Guadiana, from where the border with Castile could be observed.
Inside the castle walls lies the medieval village of Monsaraz. Access to the castle interior is through four gates:
- Porta da Vila – the main entrance to Monsaraz, next to which stands the Clock Tower.
- Porta de Évora – facing the bridge toward the city of Évora.
- Porta do Buraco – facing east, near the Monsaraz cistern.
- Porta da Alcoba – facing east, providing the closest access to the village center and the Church of Our Lady of the Lagoon.
At the southern end rises the Keep Tower (Torre de Menagem). From the surrounding walls, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Alqueva reservoir and the Alentejo plain. The inner courtyard is currently used as a bullring.