When we entered the Pousada dos Loios in Évora, we stepped on grounds that have seen war and peace, creation and destruction. The Arabs built a castle on this site that was destroyed by fire during the Portuguese war of 1383-85. In 1485, a local noble built a convent for the order of Loios on top of the castle ruins.
The villagers called the members of this order the blue monks because of the color of their robes. These religious men lived an austere life, working and praying in silence. Their serenity and wisdom led the royal family to choose them as confessors.
The convent was severely damaged by the 1755 earthquake and later rebuilt through the efforts of an enterprising priest. In 1834, Portugal abolished religious orders and the convent was closed down.
In 1963, the ancient building was converted into an historical hotel. The cells of the monks were turned into comfortable rooms and elegant suites. The courtyard became a spacious breakfast room.
The Pousada is in the center of Évora and yet inside its thick stone walls the clatter of the city vanishes. Staying here for a few days felt like a long vacation. We were content and at ease in the convent of the blue monks.
The Pousada dos Loios in Évora is located on Largo do Conde de Vila Flor, tel. 351 266 730 070. Click here for the pousadas’ website and here for a large collection of photos of the hotel.
Salt of Portugal 
This is unbelievably beautiful. I want to be a monk!
Makes sense!
Reblogged this on The Portugal Years and commented:
And today, some tidbits of Portuguese history.
I popped my head round the door when we were there a couple of years ago. Promised myself a stay if we ever go back.
It is a great place to stay and a great idea to go back!
That’s where we want to go when we next time come to Portugal! I mean, we are in Portugal now but we have so many other places to visit around Nazaré. It looks stunning!
It is a very special place. If you go check out also our recommendations for restaurants in Evora
I definitely will!
That is really amazing! I would like to go there one day.
It is indeed an amazing place
Evocative. Can’t wait to return to Evora…
Super beautiful! I spent an weekend in Évora in December and was at the doorstep of Pousada but did not enter, only the church and the Duques de Cadaval palace. You can’t enter unless you’re staying for the night there right? Now I’m really eager for writing about Évora in my blog =) thank you!
There are local guides that give you a tour and take you inside the Pousada even if you are not staying there. We look forward to your post about Evora!
What a shame! I did not know about it. However I was taken by a guide to Paço de São Miguel, very close to Pousada, it’s also a very nice house with a great history, have you been there? Thank you!