Convento Belmonte Pousada

In Belmonte, wild mushrooms sprout from the ground, as birds of prey soar above the oaks, cork oaks and Canadian pines planted there. This is the landscape that hides a historic pousada made out of stone.

Housed in a 12th-century Franciscan convent, the Convento Belmonte Pousada is the epitome of peace and quiet, with a fine view of the Serra da Estrela mountains. “Some people come here for a quiet week’s work,” says Dora Ferreira, assistant manager.

Parts of the old convent have stood the test of time, such as the chapel (made into a lounge), the sacristy (now the bar) and the cloister (with a terrace offering shelter from the wind during the cold weather, with a transparent canvas, and open during the warm months). At night, when there are no big clouds, the starry sky is really something to behold.

The restoration project was designed by the architect Luís Rebelo de Andrade, who opted for materials such as stone, iron and wicker. Adelaide Rebelo de Andrade was in charge of the décor, having selected pieces that added elegance and comfort to what is one of the chain’s first historic pousada.

The new wings house an outdoor pool (tiled black to conserve heat), and all the rooms are named after friars. The Guardião (Guardian) symbolises the head of the Franciscan Order and lends its name to the pousada’s premium suite, where, with a cosy atmosphere reminiscent of traditional rural mountain houses, you easily forget you’re in a hotel.

The pousada restaurant serves distinctly regional fare with a signature style, the quality of which gives fine dining establishments a run for their money, while earning it various Garfo de Ouro awards. To enjoy the full experience, try the tasting menu (€96 per person). If you decide to go à la carte, the mushroom symphony is a must, as is the Angus beef, which shows how traditional produce, such as queijo da serra cheese, can shine in a surprising aligot. To end your meal in style, go for the leite-creme queimado (a burnt custard delight), “the best in the world” according to those who make it!

Essentials

Sculptures

The most attentive visitors will quickly spot the naturalistic sculptures in stone and brass, which were created by Moreira das Neves and found mainly in the restaurant. They have become so well-known that the pousada has decided to sell the centrepieces, which allude to the mountain pines (€130).

Kosher

Due to the historical presence of Sephardic Jews in Belmonte, the pousada is visited by many members of the Jewish community. The restaurant serves a kosher menu for groups, which is available upon prior reservation.

Nossa Senhora da Esperança

The image of Nossa Senhora da Esperança (Our Lady of Hope) that accompanied Pedro Álvares Cabral on his expedition to Brazil belonged to the chapel of this former Franciscan convent. Nowadays, it lives close to the pousada, in the Church of São Tiago, in Belmonte.