POUSADA DO CONVENTO DE BELMONTE

 

The Inn Convento de Belmonte Convent was born from the ruins of the Convent Nossa Senhora da Esperança. Its parchments are as old as the history of Portugal and the image of Our Lady of Hope that accompanied Pedro Álvares Cabral on his voyage to Brazil belonged to its hermitage.

A little over a kilometer from the Historic Village of Belmonte, the birthplace of Pedro Álvares Cabral, the Pousada Convento de Belmonte has its origins in the recovery of the former convent of Nossa Senhora da Esperança built over a hermitage, founded in the 13th century and most probably placed on old pagan cults sites.

In Detail
The modern Pousada kept the historical heritage of the Convent (classified in 1986 as a property of public interest), with amphitheater architecture, located on the slopes of Serra da Esperança on the south of Belmonte. 

The stones, wood, iron, wicker, the sobriety of the materials and the masterfully chosen pieces, and the use of light and relaxing colors such as ocher, dry green, sand, earth, and fire, recreate the atmosphere of tranquility and peace in a unique space where you can hear the silence, feel the history and breathe the purity of the mountain air.
Inside, the old chapel and sacristy adapted to be a living room and bar are witness to the meticulous reconversion works that were carried out in the convent from 1997 and a perfect example of the harmonious coexistence between historic areas and a modern and welcoming building. 

The Pousada has 24 rooms, all with different names of friars. The suite is known as Guardian, the name given to the Principal of the Franciscan order that owned this convent, is now brightly decorated by Adelaide Rebelo de Andrade and transformed into a "Pousada Histórica” (Historical Inn) by the Architect Luis Rebelo de Andrade.
Outside there is a stone swimming pool with a magnificent view of the Zêzere Valley and Serra da Estrela and you will find a region with numerous historical monuments waiting for you; the castle and pantheon of Cabrais, the Jewish Quarter, and the mysterious "Centum Cellas", besides the beauty and traditions of Serra da Estrela, one of the most important natural reserves in Europe. 

Integrated into the structure of the Pousada, the Gourmet Restaurant, states itself increasingly as a place of gastronomic cult, the true laboratory with the magician Chef Valdir Lubeck. Here you can taste the best wines of the region of Beira Interior. Almeida Garrett Reserve and Chardonnay Reserve or Quinta dos Termos Reserve are good examples of the unique features of this Terroir influenced by the microclimate created by the highlands.
Restaurants & Bars

Restaurant Convento de Belmonte Gourmet
Integrated in the Pousada, the restaurant is just a kilometer from the village center, in a secluded and quiet place, among the green pine groves of Serra da Esperança and with stunning views over Cova da Beira and Serra da Estrela.

The menu offers diversified suggestions, and you can enjoy dishes inspired by the region as well as other more innovative creations. This restaurant is a unique case of dedication and commitment that gave it great notoriety. The menu is carefully selected by Chef Valdir Lubeck.

The room is discreetly decorated with cloths over the tables, table markers, and tall glasses. The big fireplace warms the cold days and creates a romantic and distinctive atmosphere. From the dishes that mark the history of the restaurant, we stand out the pea velvety with basil and olive oil ice cream and custard served in an excavated granite stone. Fond of mushrooms, the Chef always finds good excuses to incorporate them in his creations, such as the famous mushroom cappuccino with aromatic herbs foam, from the garden of the Convent.

The restaurant was awarded with a Golden Fork in 2011, 2012, and 2013 and is recommended by the Michelin Guide.

Bar Convento de Belmonte
Situated in the old sacristy of the chapel, here you can taste the fine wines of this region.

Room Pedro Alvares Cabral 
Fantastic place for hosting events, weddings, christenings, and birthday parties, with a capacity for 96 people.

Meeting Rooms
Pousada de Belmonte has a meeting room with natural light, free wireless internet (Wi-Fi), air conditioning, and a capacity of 68 people. The meeting room has audiovisual equipment available: a screen, data show, TV and video, flip chart, and sound system with microphones.

Locations & Directions
GPS: N 40º 20' 38'', W 7º 21' 38''