Alcanena

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Artwork

District: Santarém > Alcanena > Peral > Alcanena e Vila Moreira

Location

Alcanena is a Portuguese village that serves as the seat of the municipality with the same name, located in the district of Santarém. It is situated in a transitional area between the Extremadura Limestone Massif and the Tertiary Tagus Basin, an environment that gives it particular geographical characteristics. The village is nestled between the Serra dos Candeeiros and the Serra de Aire, offering a landscape punctuated by elevations and valleys.

The municipality of Alcanena, where the village is located, covers a significant part of the Aire and Candeeiros Mountains Natural Park. About three kilometers from the village, are the "Olhos de Água" (Water Eyes), the springs of the Alviela river, a point of remarkable natural beauty that shapes the region's environment. The surrounding landscape is dominated by extensive olive groves and fig orchards, providing a distinct rural atmosphere.

Origins and Significance

The history of the name "Alcanena" is deeply linked to its heritage. There are several theories about the origin of the toponym, all pointing to Arab roots, highlighting the influence of this culture on the Iberian Peninsula. One of the most accepted interpretations suggests that the name derives from "Al-Kinan", meaning "Shaded Place", evoking an image of refuge or freshness. Another theory points to an alteration of "Alcanede", combining an Arabic etymon with the Latin term "cannetus", which refers to a reedbed.

Industrial Legacy and Heritage

The village of Alcanena is historically distinguished by its connection to the tanning industry. Since the late 18th century, this activity has thrived in the region, with leather tanning techniques passed down from generation to generation. There are records of factories dating back to 1792, some with royal privileges, demonstrating the importance and early development of this industry for local growth. The tanning sector continues to be an intrinsic part of the village's identity and economy, with an evolution that has placed it at the forefront of national production.

Beyond industry, local culture is expressed through handicrafts, particularly the production of leather goods, which naturally links to the legacy of tanning. Although historically having soils considered not very fertile for agriculture, the resilience and inventiveness of its people led to the development of other activities, such as pastoralism and trade. The founding of the Alcanena municipality in 1914 marked a turning point, allowing the village to establish itself as a significant population and industrial center.

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