Fodor's Expert Review Pousada Convento Vila Viçosa

If you're hooked on Vila Viçosa's history, this 500-year-old convent next door to the Paço Ducal has all the period atmosphere you could want. There are marvelous half-restored frescoes to peruse as you walk down the long hallways. Ask reception to let you peek into a secret chapel from the late 16th century where nuns could pass into the main church undetected. Each room is unique, including one with a tiled passageway and iron bars separating a nun's living quarters from visitors, with a turnstile through which pilgrims could pass gifts. Even if you can't stay the night, you should sip a glass of port by the salon's huge fireplace.