
The village of Almodôvar and Accommodation
Nestled in the picturesque region of Alentejo, Portugal, the village of Almodôvar offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Known for its charming cobblestone streets, traditional whitewashed houses, and warm, welcoming locals, Almodôvar presents an authentic taste of Portuguese rural life. Visitors can explore historical landmarks such as the Church of Santo Ildefonso and the Almodôvar Museum, which showcases the rich cultural heritage of the area.
Our accommodation is a beautifully restored historic building located in the center of Almodôvar. With 10 rooms available, we offer the perfect blend of traditional architecture and modern comfort. Each room is designed to make you feel at home and provide you with a tranquil retreat from your busy day. Almodôvar has something to offer every traveler.
The Birders Hub
The Birders Hub is a charming sanctuary for bird lovers located in the picturesque town of Almodôvar. Created as a cozy retreat after a day of birdwatching, it serves as an ideal place to relax, enjoy a delicious homemade meal, or simply have a quick snack. Our menu is rooted in Mediterranean cuisine, featuring dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients from nearby farmers, ensuring that each bite is packed with flavor and quality.
For those interested in a more engaging experience, the Birders Hub also organizes special event nights for groups, blending cultural activities with a delightful dinner. Whether you wish to unwind alone or participate in a lively group gathering, the Birders Hub warmly welcomes everyone with open arms and a cozy atmosphere.


Igreja Matriz de Santo Ildefonso
The choice of Saint Ildefonso, a monk and abbot of the Benedictine monastery of Toledo who later became the bishop of the same city in the 7th century, as the patron saint of the parish of Almodôvar reflects the presence of monastic-military spirituality in Baixo Alentejo. This spirituality was widespread among the friars of the Order of Avis who followed the Rule of Saint Benedict.
Originally, the main church of this village, which was once under royal patronage, was donated by D. Dinis to the Order of Santiago in 1297. The Order of Santiago had one of its collegiates in this church, led by a prior and three beneficiaries.
The current temple, designed in 1592 by the architect Nicolau de Frias, is a highly elaborate example of the "church-hall" typology. It features three naves with four sections covered in vaults, creating a sense of spatial unity. The precise layout, the rhythm of the elevations, and the attention to details, such as the six Tuscan columns supporting the arches, showcase the classicizing purification achieved by this model in the late 16th century, in line with the austerity of the Counter-Reformation.
D. João V ordered a partial remodeling of the building in 1747 due to the main chapel being in ruins and the church's small size. The remodeling included tearing down the Court of the Table of Conscience and Orders, regularizing the rest of the church, and adding a tribune. The sumptuous gilded and polychrome altars in the nave were created by the workshop of the Eborense carver Sebastião de Abreu do Ó, reflecting the wealth of the various brotherhoods and confraternities of the parish.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, significant interventions were made that altered the Mannerist factory, with the last one occurring in the 1950s. The baptistry is adorned with a panel by Severo Portela depicting the Baptism of Christ in the Jordan.
The parish of Almodôvar houses an important collection of liturgical implements in the church, some of which are from the former Convent of Nossa Senhora da Conceição in the same village, belonging to the Third Order of Saint Francis.
Contact Information:
Location:Almodôvar
Phone: 286 662 057
Hours
Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 14:00 to 18:00
Saturday and Sunday from 14:00 to 18:00
Closed on Mondays.

Museu da Escrita do Sudoeste (MESA)
The Southwest Writing Museum serves as the starting point for understanding the history of a vast territory that spans across Portugal and Spain. Conceptually, it is characterized by the beginning of history and showcases the ancestral way in which the people who inhabited this territory more than 2,500 years ago used to communicate. The Southwest Writing Museum is a living space in constant transformation. The exhibition presents, in a didactic, functional, and aesthetic manner, the evolution of spelling and written knowledge.
Contact Information:
Location: Almodôvar
Phone Number: 961 874 140
Hours:
Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00 to 13:00 and from 14:00 to 18:00
Closed on Mondays


Escultura do Bombeiro
This sculpture was designed to honor firefighters and celebrate the dedication, commitment, and hard work of those who selflessly serve the community every day. Created by Aureliano Aguiar, this impressive sculpture was constructed using various old iron materials, similar to the "shoemaker" sculpture. Take a moment to admire this magnificent work of art.

Escultura do Mineiro
The Municipality of Almodôvar pays tribute to the Mineiros Almodovarenses and all miners for the significance of this activity in our community. This profession symbolizes the strong connection with the economic growth of the region and the country. Another stunning piece of art by Aureliano Marques de Aguiar has been recently installed in Vila de Almodôvar. The artist, known for his urban art honoring various professions, has also created the "Shoemaker Sculpture" and the "Firefighter Sculpture", both displayed at the municipal headquarters.
Escultura do Sapateiro
This sculpture was designed to honor the shoemaking tradition in the Village of Almodôvar. It aims to promote, disseminate, and celebrate the craft as a key element of the village's identity and a tourist attraction. Created by Aureliano Aguiar, the impressive sculpture serves as a reminder of a craft that was passed down through generations, often within the same families. In times not too long ago, shoemaking was a primary source of income in the Municipality, with around 200 active shoemakers. Standing at 6 meters tall and constructed using various old iron materials, this magnificent work is definitely worth taking 5 minutes to stop and admire.