At the foot of the Monsaraz hill, close to the Alqueva dam, is the hotel and agricultural development of Sao Lourenço do Barrocal.
The estate, acquired in the 17th century. XIX, it has been in the family for eight generations and the concern with sustainability has been a constant. Over several generations, the estate “had an important role in agricultural development and the development of wine in the regionâ€explains José António Uva, administrator of São Lourenço do Barrocal.
O project tries to be, as far as possible, self-sustainableaiming to produce a large part of the products that are consumed on the property.
Tourism, agriculture and ecology are hand in hand in this project that wants to provide its visitors with a unique experience of sustainable agriculture and regenerative tourism, in the heart of Alentejo.
“Regenerative tourism is one that brings to the region, the community and people an appreciation of their sense of place, of their identity that was not there before,†considers José António Uva, administrator of São Lourenço do Barrocal
They are about 780 hectaresin which all the agricultural structures on the mountain were rehabilitated and transformed into a five-star hotel, where around 150 people.
of São Lourenço do Barrocal employees are from the municipality of Reguengos de Monsaraz
Respect for the past and tradition
In addition to being a two hundred year old estateBarrocal has the particularity of all its vernacular Alentejo architecture having been rehabilitated by Eduardo Souto de Moura. This work led to the project being distinguished – in 2018 – with the Golden Lion at the Venice Architecture Biennale.
The region’s materials and architecture were respected and valued, highlighting the competence and work of local artisans, tapestry, carpentry, pottery, among other crafts. In this way, the essence of what is best done in this area is transmitted to guests and visitors through the hands of the best ambassadors: the locals.
O Sustainability Accelerator is an initiative by Expresso and BPI that consists of holding sessions where strategies, advice and steps are presented to decarbonize and have a sustainable business, within the European and global objectives .
This project is supported by sponsors, with all content created, edited and produced by Expresso (see Code of Conduct), without external interference.
