Avis

Avis is a fortified town in Portugal's Alentejo, associated with the military and religious Order of Aviz. Its castle became the order's motherhouse, while the church and convent of São Bento recall the community's religious life.

The order gave its name to the Portuguese royal house founded by John I, formerly its grand master. The House of Aviz ruled from 1385 to 1580. In 1551 the order's grand mastership was vested permanently in the crown, linking the institution still more closely to royal government. Parts of the town's old defences survive as reminders of its medieval role.