Messejana

Messejana
At about 10 km from Aljustrel, Messejana was inhabited since the Arab occupation, when it acquired its name.

It was taken from the Moors by king Sancho II, who built the castle, now in ruins.

It is worth visiting the Mother Church, from the 16th century, and the Miserichord Church (also from the 16th century).

The Church of Our Blessed Lady, also known as the church of Entre Vinhas (Between Vineyards), from the 18th century, exhibits characteristics of the so-called «Brazilian churches»: it was built by Portuguese emigrants which brought back traces of the New World when they returned to their home town.

It is also worth admiring the chapels of St Sebastian, of St Peter and of St Brás, the Convent of St Francis and the Manueline pillory.

Fine mansions with 18th-century roofs can be seen in Messejana, and the population works mainly in agriculture and manufacturing furniture in oak.