Of Roman origin, Portalegre is an enchanting town close to the Spanish border and at the foot of the Serra de São Mamede, an impressive and fertile mountain range that has been deemed a national park. The park’s symbol is the grand creature the Bonelli’s eagle, which visitors may spot flying overhead if they are lucky. The park’s caves are home to Europe’s largest colony of bats.
Portalegre’s location has meant that throughout history it has been the subject of numerous invasions and battles over territory and there have been times when it has indeed had to surrender to the Spanish Army. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, it has always been recognised as a Portuguese city of importance.
Founded in 1259 during the reign of king Afonso III, Portalegre was given as a gift to his illegitimate son which was a move that angered the heir to the throne, Dinis. Once king, Dinis donated the town to himself, but was forced to spend a long 5 months battling the occupants for control over it. Once he finally gained control he ordered the rebuilding of the castle which had come into disrepair.
Portalegre, photo by Alentejo Tourist Office
There is and has always been a strong and very noticeable religious presence in Portalegre and it is evident in the many churches dotted around. This began in medieval times when the Franciscan order established itself here. The Igreja do Mosteiro de São Francisco was built there in 1275, and was later reconstructed in the 16th and 18th Centuries. The Museu Municipal boasts a fine array of religious art. The religious presence is also attributable to the fact that Misericórdia de Portalegre, a religious charity, was set up here in the 16th century which, through the Bishop of Guarda, Jorge de Melo, commissioned the building of various convents such as the Convent Cisterciense de São Bernardo.
More information: visitportugal.com, Alentejo Tourist Office
ATOP members: Alentejo Tourist Office, Castaways Unicorn Holidays, Destination Portugal, Keytel International, Leisure Link Golf Holidays International, Milestones, Pousadas de Portugal, PTG Tours Ltd, Someone2travelwith, Sunvil Discovery, The Villa Agency
