The recovery works of Barbacena Castle, in the municipality of Elvas, officially began on September 4, transforming the monument classified as a Property of Public Interest since 1967 into a five-star charming hotel unit. The project, promoted by the Group Chaves do Areeiro led by businessman Paulo Luz, represents a total investment of approximately four million euros, with approximately three million euros destined for the intervention currently underway. The works will have an estimated duration of 24 months and has support from European funds through the Alentejo 2030 program.
The future hotel should have 13 rooms, restaurant, swimming pool and SPA, with an initial creation of six jobs planned. The intervention aims to reconcile the adaptation to the requirements of a five-star hotel unit with the preservation of the historical characteristics of the building, which originates from the medieval period and underwent successive reconstructions over the centuries. The project obtained favorable opinion from the Ministry of Culture and municipal approval, with specific conditions for the recovery of the interior and exterior due to the heritage value of the property.
The transformation of Barbacena Castle was publicly presented in February 2025, after the acquisition of the property by the Group Chaves do Areeiro at the end of 2024. The effective beginning of the work represents the transition to the ground of an investment announced approximately a year and a half ago, which underwent some developments, going from 12 to 13 rooms and including the SPA among the planned facilities. The works were initially planned for May 2025.
For the president of the Municipality of Elvas, José Rondão Almeida, the recovery represents the fulfillment of an old ambition for Barbacena, allowing the preservation of the monument through a new use and adding tourism offer to the territory. With the works now on the ground, the investment also marks the entry of the Group Chaves do Areeiro into the hospitality sector, through the recovery of one of the most emblematic elements of Barbacena's heritage.
