"Portalegre - The green Capital" Portalegre by salinhopt

Portalegre Travel Guide: 31 reviews and 154 photos

Portalegre - Mountain Views - Portalegre

Located in the São Mamede Hills close to the border with Spain, Portalegre retained strategic importance for national defence throughout the Middle Ages. King Afonso III (1248-79) granted the settlement its first royal charter before handing it over to his bastard son Afonso Sanches. This move was far from popular with Dinis (1279-1325), his brother and heir to the throne. In 1299, Dinis, already king, returned Portalegre to the status of royal possession and ordered the rebuilding of the Castle. Also in medieval times, the Franciscan order established a presence in Portalegre most notably in the Convents of São Francisco (St. Francis) and Santa Clara (Saint Claire).

Portalegre - The Yellow Palace

In the early 16th century, after the founding of the Misericórdia de Portalegre (a nationwide charity institution), the Bishop of Guarda, Jorge de Melo ordered the building of the Convent Cisterciense de São Bernardo (Cistercians of St. Bernard). Already an important administrative and economic centre, it became a city under king João III who further established the Diocese of Portalegre and ordered the building of the Cathedral. This decision was further consolidated by decisions to go ahead with the Episcopal Palace and the Diocese Seminary, now the Municipal Museum.

There is also the Portuguese poet Jose Regio Museum House. On the outskirts, attention goes to the views from the Church of Nossa Senhora da Penha (Our Lady of Suffering) and the Church of Bonfim, Located on the road heading to Marvão and Castelo de Vide, both are well worth a closer look.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Breathtaking views! History and culture!
Cons:I found the city quite desert!

Last visit to Portalegre: Feb 2004
Intro Updated Mar 10, 2004
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Reviews (6)

Coat of arms Things to Do (6)

The Mercy hospital has a wonderfull Coat of arms of the region. The first documented portuguese coat of arms goes back... more travel advice

Portalegre - Mercy Hospital - Portalegre

Mercy Hospital Things to Do (6)

This building was considered by local authorities as local interest building. Built in the XVIth century, the hospital... more travel advice

Portalegre - Guy Fino Carpet Museum - Portalegre

Guy Fino Carpet Museum Things to Do (6)

This museum, dedicated to Carpet Weaving in Portalegre, was set up by the Municipal Council. The city gained these... more travel advice

Inside the Cathedral Things to Do (6)

In the main chapel, note the work of the sculptor and engraver Gaspar Coelho and painters Francisco Venegas, Fernao... more travel advice

Comments (3)

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globetrott Apr 20, 2004 at 3:39 PM

another great place to visit one day ! great infos and pics, Gonzalo !
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mtncorg Mar 29, 2004 at 1:20 PM

Another very fascinating stop in Portugal. Good job.
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ncfg Mar 11, 2004 at 2:40 PM

Great job Gonçalo. I had been in Portalegre but just passing by.