Category: Culture and Entertainment > Zoo
Casa do Baltazar is located in the center of the village of Alte, in the municipality of Loulé, set within a network of narrow streets paved with traditional Portuguese cobblestone and lined with traditional white houses featuring ochre and deep blue accents. It is close to freshwater springs and small green areas that dot the cluster of houses, offering a serene and typically Algarvean setting.
From the top of the surrounding narrow streets, one can see the gentle terrain of the Barrocal Algarvio, while in the distance, the silhouettes of the Serra do Caldeirão mountain range stand out. This contrast of planes enhances the area's rural and preserved character.
Built in the 19th century, Casa do Baltazar originally served as a granary and shelter for agricultural products, such as almonds and figs, harvested from the surrounding farms. The structure itself (with its whitewashed walls and ceramic tile roof) reflects the rural construction techniques of the time.
The name "Baltazar" refers to a donkey that was a constant presence in the village for decades, transporting supplies and piquing the curiosity of passersby. More than just a simple shelter for a working animal, Casa do Baltazar became a symbol of the connection between the local community and the traditional agriculture of the Algarve.
The façade displays a subtle Moorish influence (visible in the slightly pointed arches of the small windows) and maintains the typical chromatic harmony of Alte, where the white of the walls contrasts with the deep red of the tiles. Inside, the high ceiling features wooden beams and a simple terracotta tile floor, preserving the original setting that harks back to the daily life experiences of the past.
The ensemble invites a brief pause by the small outer courtyard, where the space opens up to the sky, allowing one to quietly observe the village's outlines. It is a meeting point between rural memory and a stroll through the narrow lanes, providing the visitor with an atmosphere of authenticity and intimacy.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 37.2337925,-8.1785683
Coordinates DMS: 37°14'1.7"N 08°10'42.8"W
Weather Alte
On-duty Pharmacy Alte
