The Portuguese village at the foot of a mountain range and near the border with Spain that hides a spectacular cathedral.
The Alentejo region is one of the largest in Portugal and is divided into three parts: Beja in the south, Évora in the center , and Portalegre in the north . This geographical area holds years of history, its most important feature being its proximity to the Spanish border . Thus, castles and walls, as well as one of the most beautiful natural enclaves in Portugal, are the main tourist attractions for those, especially Spaniards, who decide to cross the border either through Huelva or the provinces of Cáceres and Badajoz.
In this article, we'll travel to Portalegre City, the seat of a municipality in northern Alentejo, with more than 22,000 inhabitants and several medieval and baroque relics. This Alentejo municipality is also famous for its tapestries and cork factories. The town is located at the foot of the São Mamede Mountains , which is why it is often said to be located between the dry Alentejo plains and the mountainous region.
What to see in Portalegre: the capital of northern Alentejo
Perhaps other small towns in the northern Alentejo region , such as Marvão or Castelo de Vide, might detract from Portalegre's tourism. However, this medieval village was a strategic point for the kingdom's defense and became an important administrative and economic center. This Portuguese town stands out for its historic center, a labyrinth of narrow streets with historic facades , a variety of city gates, and important monuments that are key to its heritage.
A good example of this is its castle, known as Portalegre Castle , which began construction in the 13th century and has a clear medieval military architecture, but also modern and contemporary , due to various modifications in its recent history.
Portalegre has always been known for its tapestries , which is why the Tapestry Museum is another of the city's tourist attractions. It is located in the former noble house of the Caldeira Castelo-Branco family . Strolling through its streets, you can admire the Art Nouveau-influenced buildings and the numerous fountains scattered throughout the town, two of which are located in the Praça da República , formerly known as Praça do Corro. This enclave is the nerve center of the town's meeting place. It was here that the city market was housed during the 19th and 20th centuries.
The spectacular cathedral of Portalegre
Aside from the castle, another of its most important buildings is the Sé Catedral, or Portalegre Cathedral. Although it was built in the late Renaissance , its subsequent restorations were carried out under the Baroque period. This temple is dedicated to the Virgin of the Assumption , and its interior features 28 windows that illuminate her.
Perhaps the most characteristic feature of this sacred site is its distinct Portuguese architecture, as you can find 17th-century tile panels , as well as a collection of Mannerist paintings. A visit to the cathedral also includes the sacristy, also tiled, this time from the 18th century, and the cloister, built in the same century.
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