Category: Military Architecture > Castle
District: Portalegre > Portalegre > Alegrete > Centro Histórico
Alegrete Castle stands imposingly on one of the highest points of Alegrete village, in the district of Portalegre. Its strategic position, in the heart of the Historic Centre, offers a privileged perspective of the surroundings, dominating the surrounding landscape. From its walls, it is possible to enjoy vast panoramic views over the mountains and the Alentejo plains, revealing the natural beauty and the breadth of the horizon.
Its presence defines the village's silhouette, testifying to its historical importance and harmonious integration with the white houses that extend along the slopes. Reaching the castle involves ascending through Alegrete's narrow and picturesque streets, immersing oneself in the tranquil and authentic atmosphere of this corner of Alentejo.
Alegrete Castle is an emblem of memory and the historical resistance of the region. Its origins date back to the Middle Ages, having played a crucial role in defending the border and consolidating Portuguese territory. Over the centuries, its stones have witnessed numerous conflicts and adaptations, being a perennial guardian of the nation's values and sovereignty.
Its construction and successive remodelling reflect the strategic importance Alegrete held in different periods, particularly during the Christian Reconquest and in constant skirmishes with Castile. It is a place that invites reflection on the past and on the tenacity of those who inhabited and defended it, symbolising the vigilance and resilience of a people.
The architecture of Alegrete Castle is characteristic of medieval fortifications, designed for defence and vigilance. Its robust granite walls adapt to the terrain's topography, with sections that still impress today with their solidity. The Keep Tower, although partially in ruins, stands out as the central and most imposing element of the complex, once the last redoubt of defence and the symbol of seigniorial power.
It is possible to observe vestiges of defensive elements such as wall-walks, where patrols were carried out, and other structures that made up the fortified system. The use of local stone in its construction gives it an organic integration into the landscape, revealing the mastery of the builders of the time in erecting fortifications that would endure over time and resist the impacts of history.
Beyond its historical and architectural relevance, Alegrete Castle offers a unique experience of contact with nature and Alentejo tranquility. The surrounding environment is of serene beauty, with the landscape stretching as far as the eye can see, dotted with cork oaks, holm oaks, and cultivated fields, which change colour with the seasons.
Ascending to the castle and exploring its vestiges allows one not only to travel through time but also to appreciate the calm and grandeur of the natural surroundings. The silence, only broken by the wind or the singing of birds, and the purity of the air contribute to a sense of peace and contemplation, making the visit a memorable and enriching experience.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castelo_de_Alegrete
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.23703104407968, -7.324208644576979
Coordinates DMS: 39°14'13.3"N 07°19'27.2"W
On-duty Pharmacy Alegrete
