Category: Civil Architecture > Moorish Quarter
District: Beja > Moura > Moura
Mouraria de Moura is nestled within the historic urban fabric of the town of Moura, situated in the heart of the Beja district. This peculiar neighbourhood occupies a well-defined area, characterized by a labyrinthine network of narrow streets and traditional houses. Its position allows visitors a deep immersion into the town's past, as it preserves much of its original layout and atmosphere, distinguishing itself from Moura's more contemporary areas and inviting exploration on foot.
This neighbourhood is a living testament to a fundamental period in Portugal's history, marking the transition and coexistence of cultures. After the Christian Reconquest, Mouraria de Moura served as the designated space for the Muslim population to continue residing, maintaining their traditions and way of life within the town's limits. It represents an important chapter in the interaction between different communities, being a place of collective memory where it is possible to feel the pulse of centuries past. Its streets and nooks tell stories of a complex cultural heritage that shaped the Alentejo region.
Walking through Mouraria de Moura, one discovers an urban design distinguished by its organic nature and adaptation to the natural terrain. The houses, mostly single-storey and typically whitewashed, exhibit the simplicity and functionality characteristic of traditional Alentejo architecture. Their stripped-down facades, with modest openings, contribute to the visual harmony of the ensemble. The scale of the streets, often narrow and winding, encourages a leisurely stroll, revealing secluded courtyards and nooks that evoke a strong sense of community and the inherent privacy of this type of historic settlement. The neighbourhood's configuration faithfully reflects the essence of a time when constructions were erected in direct response to daily needs and the geographical setting.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mouraria_de_Moura
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.1422402,-7.4522594
Coordinates DMS: 38°08'32.1"N 07°27'8.1"W