Alter do Chão

Located in Alto Alentejo, the peaceful Alentejo village of Alter do Chão is part of Portalegre district. Its origin is closely linked to a Roman settlement named "Abeltererium" or "Eleteri", founded from a cluster of the Iron Age, located along one of the three routes linking Lisbon to Mérida. In the municipality there are visible evidences of this occupation, especially the Vila Formosa bridge, built by the Romans in the late 1st century and early 2nd century a.d. over the Seda riverside. Currently the bridge is classified as a national monument. From the white houses with colored stripes we hear stories of a past that helps to understand the present traditions. The typical gastronomy of the region offers delicacies such as: the sarapatel (dish made with meat, blood and offal), lamb stew with saffron and, from the traditional sweets, the fatias da China (sweets made with sugar syrup). The crafts include works made with skin and leather, tinsmith, cork, wood, registo and blades. Various fairs, feasts and pilgrimages are held throughout the year, that promote the regional products. From the illustrious figures of this village, Joaquim Enamorado, a famous Neorealist poet that collaborated in publications such as Seara Nova, O Diabo and Vértice, stands out.

What to do in Alter do Chão

Ponte Romana de Vila Formosa

Alter do Chão

Roman bridge composed by six round arches supported in square bollards ornate on its base by two prominent frames. Above the arches, downstream there is a streamed cornice and upstream there are streamed guards of gargoyles. In one of the corners closing the main arch there is a sculpted half moon.

Castelo de Alter Pedroso

Alter do Chão

The ancient castle remains only the ogival door and some sections of wall in ruins, located about 400 meters of altitude. Of primitive construction of the 13th century, the castle was badly damaged in the 17th century.

Castelo de Alter do Chão

Alter do Chão

In the heart of the village, in a large square, stands this impressive medieval castle, of quadrangular plant with high embattled curtains and protected by cubelos cylindrical, crowned with battlements, conical spires, Gothic portals and high square keep. This, with about 44 meters high, has a lounge with a barrel vault ceiling. At the entrance of the fortress a marble …

Miradouro de Seda

Alter do Chão

ESte miradouro ofercee vistas maravilhosas sobre a paisagem natural da freguesia de Seda.

Centro Hípico da Coudelaria de Alter do Chão

Alter do Chão

A stud linked to the old Coudelaria Real (Royal Stud), founded in 1748 by the king Dom João V, for the breeding of fine quality horses. After two and a half centuries, the Coudelaria de Alter is the oldest Portuguese …

Piscinas Municipais de Alter do Chão

Alter do Chão

Infrastructure covered with medium-sized pool, spas, swimming pool and children's pool jumping watched. Here's Swimming Club based in Alter do Chão.

Castelo de Seda / Fortificações de Seda

Alter do Chão

About urbana sent build by Dom Afonso Henriques, in 1160, over traces of Roman occupation. Maintains three cubelos being apparent irregular termination of the structure.

Igreja do Convento de Santo António

Alter do Chão

Constructed in 1617 it underwent several changes during the 18th century. On the main façade there are three windows in which the lateral ones are blind and the central one is opened with railings, topped by a panel of blue …

Palácio do Álamo

Alter do Chão

This Manor house was built in 1649 and remodelled in 1732. It has baroque outline with rectangular plan and two floors. On the main floor it stands out the seventeen hundreds decoration with paintings and trough ceiling. The house is …

Pelourinho Manuelino de Alter do Chão

Alter do Chão

It has a cylindrical base strangled in the top, torso shaft and the capital is also cylindrical strangled in the middle. It is finished by the armillary sphere in iron.

Portais Medievais da Rua do Mártir

Alter do Chão

Several medieval portals stand out along the street of the Martyr.

Ribeira de Seda

Alter do Chão

The Seda Brook starts on the São Mamede mountain and crosses the municipalities of Portalegre and Crato, enters the municipality of Alter do Chão and has its mouth in the Maranhão dam (Avis).

Alter Pedroso

Alter do Chão

Located on a 400 metres high cliff, Alter Pedroso is an old village, located six kilometres away from Alter do Chão and about twnty kilometres away from the city of Portalegre. A special not to the vestiges of the old …

Jardim do Álamo

Alter do Chão

A garden with a picnic area and a playground. There is also an open air exhibitions area, an amphitheatre and an area for traditional games. Typical constructions, namely "noras" and belvederes. Varied vegetation.

Jardim Doze Melhores de Alter do Chão

Alter do Chão

A garden with a wide variety of bushes and a playground.

FIND THE BEST PLACES

Where to eat in Alter do Chão

Páteo Real
Portuguese
17.50 €

Located at the historic centre of this small town, this cozy restaurant features traditional Alente…

Varandas de Alter
Portuguese
15.00 €

This space also has accommodation. You can enjoy an original lamb stew accompanied by yellow rice, …

Candeeirinho
Portuguese
12.00 €

Espaço simples e acolhedor situado em Seda, Alter do Chão, o restaurante Candeeirinho dedica-se à g…

Tony Pizza
Italian
8.00 €

Espaço simples e aprazível, localizado no Mercado Municipal, a servir boas pizzas.

Where to sleep in Alter do Chão

Hotel Convento d'Alter

4 star

Situated in the Alentejo Village of Alter do Chão, is the result of the recovery of an ancient Franciscan convent from the late 16th century. With thirty rooms…