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Set on top of a rocky hill more than 500 m high, towering and dominant over the surrounding landscape, along with other castles of the defensive line of Alentejo, it ensured the maintenance and the protection of these agitated and rarely peaceful borders of the kingdom. Of unknown origins, prior to the conquering expeditions of king Afonso Henriques, it was first mentioned during the reign of Afonso III, in 1267, in Badajoz Conference. This led to its integration into the Portuguese crown, confirmed 30 years later with the signing of Alcañices Treaty. In 1319, king Dinis granted a charter to Alegrete, an event believed to coincide with the construction of the medieval fortification.
Alegrete village was surrounded by walls that connected the castle and protected it from attacks. This, though much destroyed, has kept some stretches, highlighting the Village Gate, between two defensive turrets, prototype of the doors of Gothic urban fences. Legend says its walls were erected by the people with the condition of being independent from the Portalegre jurisdiction.
Alegrete had the privilege held by King João V, not to take soldiers, but however, having the obligation to defend the castle from the Castilians.
On June 26, 1855, Alegrete municipality was extinguished and the castle was voted to abandon, having suffered some works in the 20th century. It is classified as MN - National Monument and some cultural activities are held there.
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Castle of Alegrete (landscape)
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Set on top of a rocky hill more than 500 m high, towering and dominant over the surrounding landscape, along with other castles of the defensive line of Alentejo, it ensured the maintenance and the protection of these agitated and rarely peaceful borders of the kingdom. Of unknown origins, prior to the conquering expeditions of king Afonso Henriques, it was first mentioned during the reign of Afonso III, in 1267, in Badajoz Conference. This led to its integration into the Portuguese crown, confirmed 30 years later with the signing of Alcañices Treaty. In 1319, king Dinis granted a charter to Alegrete, an event believed to coincide with the construction of the medieval fortification.
Alegrete village was surrounded by walls that connected the castle and protected it from attacks. This, though much destroyed, has kept some stretches, highlighting the Village Gate, between two defensive turrets, prototype of the doors of Gothic urban fences. Legend says its walls were erected by the people with the condition of being independent from the Portalegre jurisdiction.
Alegrete had the privilege held by King João V, not to take soldiers, but however, having the obligation to defend the castle from the Castilians.
On June 26, 1855, Alegrete municipality was extinguished and the castle was voted to abandon, having suffered some works in the 20th century. It is classified as MN - National Monument and some cultural activities are held there.
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Alentejo
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Portalegre
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Serra de S. Mamede Nature Park
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Junta de freguesia de Alegrete
Identification and Access
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Yes, in the village.
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Access to Alegrete coming from:
- Portalegre (± 14,5 km) by N246-2 and M517; or*
- Marvão (± 31 km) by N359, M521, M1037, M517-4 and M517.*
- Spain (Badajoz) (± 62 km) by BA-020 to the border. Take N371 and follow to Arronches passing Campo Maior. Take N246 (direction Portalegre), turn right to Alegrete by M517.*
In Alegrete, park the car in Largo da Praça next to the main church and and walk to the castle (Direita street).
Contacts, Schedules and other informations
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Fort or similar
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Castelo de Alegrete
R. Direita da Vila, Alegrete
Junta de Freguesia de Alegrete
Largo do Espírito Santo, 1
7300 - 311 Alegrete
Tel.: 245 965 134
E-mail: mail@alegrete.pt
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No
Tips
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In Alegrete, take time to see the landscape and have a peek to the parish church (16th century), Misericórdia church and clock tower that has belonged to the old town hall (a 17th century building).
