Discover Alpalhão through its distinctive stones, religious buildings and traditional customs. Focinho do Porco is a large granite boulder whose shape resembles a pig’s snout. Alpalhão’s blue granite is also considered a distinctive local geological resource with special properties. These geological features add to the picture of the town’s history.

Routes with Different Points of Reference

Two specific details can help you find your way along the routes. Stage 2 of the Caminho de Santiago runs for 14.5 km from Alpalhão to Nisa. A section of the Via Portugal Nascente passes about 1 km from Alpalhão, then enters the town via Rua da Carreira. The figures describe different things: for the Caminho, 14.5 km is the length of a stage; for the Via Portugal Nascente, around 1 km is the section’s distance from the town. The first figure gives the distance between two places, while the second describes where a section is located and how it enters Alpalhão.

When approaching from the west, take the A23, then the N244 and finally the N118 towards Alpalhão.

Granite and Architectural History

The architectural history spans from the late 14th century to the early modern period. The chancel of the Igreja do Espírito Santo, also known as the Igreja da Misericórdia, dates from the late 14th century. The Capela de N. Sra. da Redonda is a 16th-century religious building, located 2 km from Alpalhão. The Anta de N. Sra. da Redonda, also called the Anta do Vale Joanino, is a dolmen near the access road to the chapel.

The Capela de São Sebastião dates from the late 16th or early 17th century; the Igreja Matriz de N. Senhora da Graça probably dates from the early 17th century. At the Capela do Calvário, its architectural design is closely tied to its religious significance: this rural chapel, typical of the Alto Alentejo, was built in the late 16th century, and its circular floor plan symbolizes the Holy Sepulchre. The Capela de São Pedro has a 16th-century Mannerist high altar. The Cruzeiro de Alpalhão also dates from this century. The Castelo de Alpalhão was founded around 1300 by D. Dinis.

Fountains, Collections and Festivals

The Fonte de Baixo was built in the mid-18th century. It was formerly called Fonte da Arca; it was moved to its present location and then fitted with a washhouse. On the night of São João, locals traditionally visit the fountain, drink “água nova” there and wet the ends of their hair with it. This custom is tied to this special occasion.

Several feast days also provide a seasonal framework for local traditions. The celebration of São Sebastião in Alpalhão includes a procession on the Sunday after 20 January. Mártir Santo is associated with 20 January in Alpalhão. The Procissão dos Passos passes five Stations of the Cross between the Igreja Matriz and the Capela do Calvário. Nossa Senhora da Redonda is associated with Easter Monday and Tuesday in Alpalhão; the exact dates depend on Easter. The Feira dos Enchidos is one of Alpalhão’s major annual events and promotes local cuisine and traditions. For upcoming dates, it’s best to check the current events calendar.

The collections offer different ways to explore the town’s history. The Museu da Misericórdia opened on 27 June 2004 and brings together religious objects that were previously spread across several buildings. Casa do Brinquedo houses more than 200 antique toys made of wire or stone, as well as cloth and porcelain dolls. To arrange a visit to the Casa Museu de Alpalhão, contact the Junta de Freguesia de Alpalhão.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Alpalhão, Fronteira, Castelo De Vide, Tramaga, Vaiamonte, Crato E Mártires, Santo António Das Areias, Cantanhede

For the overview of the wider region: Portalegre.