Portalegre is the capital of the District of Portalegre, in the subregion of Upper Alentejo. According to the archaeological vestiges, this city could have had a Roman past or have its origin in the Muslim invasion, since being a strategic point a Muslim fortification was built, which with the vicissitudes of the Christian reconquest, gave rise from the castle medieval.
And among the neighboring towns of interest, Marvão stands out. One of the few remaining cities nestled completely within the ancient walls, from its elevated position it boasts expansive views of the surrounding hills and the fertile lands that lie towards the Spanish border, just 4 kilometers away.
One has the feeling of going back in time here, so the buildings are well preserved, and the castle, built in the 13th century by Dom Dinis, which maintains its original keep, cisterns and some still cannons pointing towards Spain. Nearby is also the first golf club in this part of Portugal, with numerous lakes and bunkers.
Y Castelo de Vide It is another well-guarded border town complete with impressive ramparts, ruined castle, panoramic views, and natural waters, which have been revered as curative for centuries. Here too is a tangle of cobbled alleys that make up the old Jewish quarter, including a 13th century synagogue.
The Chapel of Our Lady of Joy, within the limits of the castle walls, contains an exhibition of attractive flower paintings up to 400 years old and the Mead places menhir is apparently the highest in the Iberian Peninsula in more than 7 meters high. In fact the entire area is rich in megalithic remains, with around fifty dolmens and menhirs to behold.
Other cities worth visiting are Elvas, with its Roman-Arab castle and Alter do Chão , which is the homeland of the famous Alter Real breed of Lusitanian horse.