One of Portalegre's fabled seven convents, the Convento de São Bernardo is without doubt one of the loveliest buildings in the city. The convent features a mish-mash of architectural styles ranging from 16th century Manueline and Renaissance to 18th century Baroque.
Consecrated in 1572 the convent was built to house "maidens without dowry" who would serve as nuns.
It is well worth making the effort to look inside the convent. The corridors feature arches and beautiful 18th century azulejo panels depicting scenes from St...
13th century castle overlooking the town. The castle is also home to the Núcleo Museológico do Castelo, a small museum of military exhibits
One of the first things you will see as you approach the small Alentejo city of Portalegre are the bell towers of the cathedral (Sé). Set on what is probably the highest point in the town it is visible from far and wide.
Built on the site of the church of Santa Maria do Castelo work on the cathedral began in 1556 by order of king D. João III. The cathedral was completed in 1575 with the laying of the final stone, the tip of the vault. The Sé de Portalegre was consecrated to Our Lady of the Assumption under the Diocese of Portalegre's first bishop, D. Julião de Alva.
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Built towards the end of the 13th century by King Dinis, Marvão castle dominates the village. Enclosed within its walls are two cisterns and a keep and offering spectacular views to the Spanish frontier
Visiting Portalegre is not so much about visiting one interesting town, but about visiting a whole cluster of northern Alentejan towns, each with their own tale to tell, and with Portalegre at their centre. The region contains a...
Albufeira
Cascais
