The restoration of this magnificent Pousada was under the direction of the famous architect Joao Luis Carrilho da Graca.

Pousada do Crato has accommodation in the sympathetically restored fortress of the order of the Hospitaller Knights.

This awe inspiring building was built for the order which was founded in the 14th Century. The gardens remain as the original design and are laid out in the design of the Cross of Malta.

The building is steeped in history and has magnificent vaulted ceilings and medieval cloisters.

The small village of Crato is famous for its pottery, which is still made in the traditional way. One can still see the potters at work and purchase direct from the craftsmen.

Approximately 20 kilometres to the east is the walled town of Portalegre, near the Spanish border. This town is overlooked by the ruins of a medieval castle.

Portalegre is the centre for tapestry production and silk weaving, which over the ages, has financed the building of the magnificent Baroque merchant houses and mansions.

Worth visiting are the municipal museum, with its collection of European tiles and ceramics and also the Casa de Jose Regio which houses an extensive private collection of religious artifacts.

Alter do Chao, 12 kilometres south of Crato, is famous for its Royal Stud Farm founded in the 18th Century by Dom Joao V.

The farm is open to the public.

The beautiful Lusitanian horses bred here are highly sought after world wide and are the favourites of the Lisbon Riding School.

The Pousada do Crato has luxuriously appointed guest accommodation. The 24 rooms, including 2 superior rooms, all have private bathroom, bathing gowns, hair dryer, air conditioning, Cable television, telephone, minibar, locker, writing desk and some have inter-connecting rooms.

Facilities include lift, restaurant, bar, terrace, swimming pool, snooker and games room and parking.

In the restaurant, the best of modern and traditional cuisine can be enjoyed in an unforgetable setting.

This Pousada also has conference facilities.

In the area activities such as hunting, fishing, golf, falconry shows, carriage tours and horse riding are available.

The international airport at Lisbon (Lisboa) is approximately 207 kilometers from this Pousada of Portugal.