MAN AND HIS SURROUNDINGS Quoting Joaquim Costa, a local  poet, Moura IS a green oasis amongst a sea of "golden fields". The fresh gardens from which the flaming light of Alentejo spreads, the clear water from miraculous fountains, the simplicity and wisdom of its people, who are living witnesses of century-old traditions, are by them- selves promises of calmness and welcoming.

 

Next to the municipality of Barrancos and to the Spanish border, the Contenda Estate (property of the municipality) is, with its 5000 hectares, the largest reserve of deer in Portugal. The synergetic and environmental potential, although part of their main resources, have not yet been explored for tourism.

 

The luminous white of the old neighbourhoods, the majestic sobriety of the castle and of all the architecture richness of the churches and convents are the manifestation of a miscellaneous cultural heritage, of which Roman and Arabic influences stand out, having deeply left their mark in the land's character -in the way the fields are ploughed, in the excellent handicraft and in the customs as well as in .the legends and traditions. Strongly connected to its past, Moura has also invested in its future, overlooking the Guadiana, which casts ashore on its land, half way between Lisbon and Seville, offering quality accommodation and diversified tourist entertainment.

 

With its (approximately) 16.500 inhabitants, distributed by the parishes of Sao Joao Baptista, Sto. Agostinho, Safara, Amareleja, Sobral D' Adia, Povoa de S. Miguel, Sto. Aleixo da Restauracao and Sto. Amador, the municipality is now a promise of a relaxing stay. , ENVIRONMENT, HANDICRAFT AND TRADITIONS The bio-diversity and landscape characteristic of Moura justify the existence of areas for nesting. shelter and feeding of species and community directives are used primarily for the preservation of nature.

 

The municipality also benefits from important hydro subterranean resources that supply the majority of the population and are also used as mineral-medicine waters. In what concerns gastronomy Moura stands out by the quality of its honey, cheese, wine, olive oil, bread and sausages and in what concerns willow tree handicraft, basketry and forged iron.

 

From the folklore to the big fairs in May and September to the religious feasts and others such as Janeiras (religious carols sung door to door in the first days of January) and Carnival, the municipality still has uses and customs that come from ancient times.