Description Alvito

Booking.com

Alvito is a Portuguese village belonging to the District of Beja, region of Alentejo and sub-region of Baixo Alentejo, with about 1 250 inhabitants.

It is the seat of a municipality with 264.85 km² in area and 2 504 inhabitants (2011), subdivided into 2 parishes. The municipality is limited to the north by the municipality of Viana do Alentejo, to the east by Cuba, to the south and west by Ferreira do Alentejo and to the west by Alcácer do Sal.

Situated in the middle of the Alentejo plain, in an elevated terrain where wide horizons are covered, the gracious village of Alvito develops around its paladin castle, where the Pousada de Alvito is currently located.

The white-painted houses give the village of Alvito the unmistakable character that distinguishes the Alentejo and in many of them doors are torn with Manueline arches, which reveal its 17th century origin.

The settlement dates from the early days of the Portuguese monarchy. The first charter was granted to him by King D. Dinis in 1327 and would be confirmed by King Manuel in 1516.

The castle of Alvito, construction started in 1494, is one of the most curious buildings that exist in Portugal. To visit it is also to evoke moments of the historical past that were lived here. The long Arab presence in these places left its distinctive mark on Mudejar architecture (which is easily recognized by the small domes and conical spiers painted in white), which are evident in several monuments. This Mudejar character involves the Mother Church of Nossa Senhora da Assunção and also the Chapel of S. Sebastião.

Also worthy of attention is the Town Hall building, which features a picturesque clock tower typically from Alentejo, as well as the churches of Misericórdia and Senhora das Candeias (housing a museum of Sacred Art), which are interesting works of architectural value.

Outside the doors, the small chapel of Santa Luzia deserves a mention, which was originally a Muslim oratory.