Located on the right bank of the Guadiana River, in the heart of Alentejo, the municipality of Mourão is a land of history, vast landscapes, and a deep connection to water.
Dominated by the imposing silhouette of its castle, which once guarded the border, Mourão offers an authentic glimpse of Alentejo's heritage. Its quiet streets, filled with traditional buildings, reflect centuries of local life and culture. The passage of time has shaped a community that preserves its roots and the simplicity of country living.
The surrounding landscape is marked by the vastness of the Alentejo plain and, prominently, by the Alqueva reservoir. This proximity to the large body of water gives Mourão a unique dimension, with its riverside nooks inviting contemplation and enjoyment of the natural environment. The population's relationship with the river, and now with the reservoir, is intrinsic to the municipality's identity, influencing both the way of life and the very nature of the territory.
Mourão is a place where tradition meets the serenity of nature, offering genuine contact with the essence of Alentejo and its border history. It is an experience of discovering Portuguese rural authenticity, where the vastness of the sky meets the quietude of the waters and the richness of the past.
Authentic flavors that tell the story of our land
This dish is one of the pillars of Alentejo and Mourão gastronomy, reflecting its heritage of subsistence and utilization cuisine. Prepared with day-old bread, garlic, coriander, and distinctively, fresh pennyroyal, the soup is seasoned with olive oil and vinegar, and sometimes served with poached eggs or cod. It is a comforting meal that evokes the rural flavors of Alentejo.
Lamb is a central ingredient in the Alentejo diet, and stew is one of the most traditional ways to prepare it in Mourão. It consists of a rich stew where lamb meat is slow-cooked with onion, garlic, bay leaf, and a touch of tomato or paprika. It is served over slices of bread, which absorb the flavorful broth, resulting in a robust meal deeply connected to the region's pastoral traditions.
Given Mourão's proximity to the Guadiana River (and now the Alqueva reservoir), freshwater fish, such as barbel or bass, hold a special place in local cuisine. This simple dish highlights the freshness of the fish, which is lightly seasoned and fried until crispy. It is a celebration of the territory's aquatic richness, appreciated for its simplicity and authentic flavor.
Sericaia is a traditional Alentejo dessert, with a strong presence in Mourão. It is a creamy sweet, similar to a pudding or cake, made with eggs, sugar, flour, milk, and cinnamon, cooked in a wood-fired oven. It is often served with dried Elvas plums, which give it a sweet and sour contrast and a fruity touch, consolidating its connection to conventual and regional confectionery.
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