Castle of Alter do Chão

Category: Military Architecture > Castle

District: Portalegre > Alter do Chão > Alter do Chão > Centro Histórico

Location

The Castle of Alter do Chão majestically rises in a dominant position in the historic center of the town, offering a privileged perspective over the surrounding landscape. Its strategic location, atop an elevation, allowed for extensive visual control over the vast plains of Alentejo, once essential for the defense of the territory. From this elevated point, the view encompasses the typical landscape of the Portalegre district, marked by the presence of cork oak woodlands and olive groves, stretching to the horizon, creating a scene of serene beauty.

History and Legacy

The foundations of the Castle of Alter do Chão hark back to a distant past, with vestiges suggesting a pre-existing Roman occupation. Its current configuration is largely due to the intervention of King Dinis in the early 14th century, a crucial period for the consolidation and defense of Portuguese borders. Over the centuries, this fortress played a vital role in the security of the Alentejo region, serving as a defensive stronghold against enemy incursions, particularly from Castile. Its history is intrinsically linked to the Order of Malta, also known as the Order of Crato, which held the lordship of Alter do Chão for long periods, significantly marking its military and administrative evolution.

Architectural Structure

The Castle of Alter do Chão features a robust quadrangular plan, characteristic of medieval military architecture, flanked by four imposing corner towers. The keep stands out as the tallest and most defensive element of the complex, serving both for surveillance and as a last line of defense. The construction is predominantly in granite masonry, a material that gives it solidity and durability, testifying to the engineering of the era. Although centuries have left their mark on some sections, the structure retains significant elements of its walls, battlements, and wall-walks, allowing for an understanding of its defensive function and the daily life that unfolded there.

Atmosphere and Panoramic Perspectives

In addition to its historical and architectural value, the Castle of Alter do Chão offers a unique experience through the panoramic perspectives it provides over the vastness of Alentejo. From the top of its walls, it is possible to contemplate the gently rolling landscape, with its cultivated fields, vineyards, and typical Mediterranean vegetation, painting a vibrant picture under the Alentejo sky. This natural viewpoint not only highlights the castle's strategic importance in past times but also invites contemplation, providing a moment of connection with the tranquility and grandeur of the surrounding rural environment, in a dialogue between the ancestral stone and untouched nature.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castelo_de_Alter_do_Chão

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt