Portel

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Being one of the oldest counties of Alentejo, its past is filled with spoils miscellaneous, despite there being many concrete data about the history leading up to the 13th century. The municipality traces abound that indicate human occupation ancestor, but it is known that Portel is the result of a donation made by d. Afonso III to d. João Peres de Aboim, later D. João de Portel, essential figure in the history of this county, who was due to the construction of the Castle and fortress. From 1836, the municipality was progressively increased, being composed, currently eight parishes. Its heritage has several churches, hermitages, with the Castle (a National Monument) and other monuments of great interest for the municipality. Agriculture is the main livelihood of the people of Portel, which keep their field very well arranged, thanks also to the Barragem do Alqueva, which improve soil irrigation. The cuisine is stuffed: soups (tomato and fish), "enchidos e queijos", black pork dishes and game, lamb, all drizzled with herbs, are the main. In pastry, pupias, "bolo de mel", "biscoitos", "bolos folhados", "pastéis de grão", "borrachos" or "filhoses" are a bit everywhere.

What to do in Portel

Serra de Portel

Portel

A mountain located on the southern limits of Central Alentejo, a mountainous massif with evergreen trees, namely cork oaks and holm oaks. It has a rich fauna, namely on the birds and predatory mammals level. It reaches its peak at an altitude of 420 metres.

Castelo de Portel

Portel

Important example of military architecture, this castle was built in the 13th century. Has the form of an irregular Octagon and the keep, with rooms covered with gothic vaults, is of marble. Currently, the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza and Mayors, the Manueline-mudéjar Chapel. The residential houses, barracks and military warehouses, in Plaza de Armas, are in ruins.

Praia Fluvial de Amieira

Portel

Localizada junto à aldeia da Amieira, no Alqueva, dispõe de um bar, wc's, equipamento de apoio para nadadores-salvadores e uma piscina flutuante para crianças.

Aldeia dos Pequeninos

Portel

A small garden where one may view small village's artefacts, such as the water tank, the steep village streets, the mill, the national flag, April's carnations, the brooks and a few waterfalls.

Cerca de São Paulo

Portel

A wide space, with trees, lawns and plebnty of shade, ideal for strolling and resting.

Miradouro da Rua da Bola

Portel

A space of great natural beauty with lovely panoramic views of the surrounding green fields.

Amieira Marina

Portel

A very beautiful place where one may stroll, dive and fish, among other activities. One may also rent house-boats, boats on a daily basis, as well as aprk one's boat on the quay.

Capela de Santo António

Portel

Chapel dating from the 16TH century and adapted the allocation of Civil and building Records in the 19th century. In the interior, highlighted by a set of tiles in the body of the ship.

Casa Nobre da Família Gil Borja de Meneses

Portel

Architecture building johannite season Manor built in the 18th century, consisting of two floors and with family crest surmounting the main door. All the Windows of the upper floor have a small balcony. He currently works as a nursing home.

Igreja Paroquial de São Bartolomeu do Outeiro

Portel

Mannerist architecture and Baroque church consists of a nave with barrel vault edge coverage in the nave and dome in the chancel. Emphasis on the pediment of the façade and the side chapels with altars in carved and gilded.

Convento de São Francisco dos Capuchos da Piedade

Portel

Convent of Franciscan architecture founded in 1547 by Dom Teodósio I, Duke of Braganza. Suffered a general reform in 1726 and, in 1834, was transformed into a landfill agricultural implements. Currently, lies in State and private ground vacant.

Ermidas de São Pedro

Portel

Set of two shrines of pilgrimage of Mannerist and Baroque, Renaissance architecture, being the oldest of circular and longitudinal plant again. The first chapel was built in the early years of the 16th century and the second was built in …

Igreja de Vera Cruz de Marmelar

Portel

This imposing building from the 16th century was built above previous constructions from the 10th/ 11th and 13th centuries from each there are still some traces on the apse and apse chapels. It still preserves a niche with Visigoth decoration. …

Auditório Municipal de Portel

Portel

A spac composed of a large amphitheatre, a stage fit for different sorts of performances, artists cabinets, sound, light and projection rooms and several supporting rooms. It also has a café-concert room and four shops.

Sala de Exposições da Capela de Santo António

Portel

A room located in the Chapel of Saint António that welcomes temporary exhibitions since 2004.

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Travel Guide

Up to date tourist information about the city's top attractions

The Best River Beaches in Southern Portugal

In the deep Alentejo and the Algarve, there are freshwater beaches that are a true balm for body and soul.

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Where to eat in Portel

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Where to sleep in Portel

Amieira Marina
Amieira Marina

The calm waters of the great Lake invite you to a stay in a houseboat, having at your disposal five different types of boats, with a capacity for up to twelve …

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