The parish of Alegrete lies in Parque Natural da Serra de São Mamede at an elevation of about 500 metres. Its geological, landscape, animal and plant diversity provides the setting for a stay in which trails, water and culture each make their mark. If you plan your trip around individual stops, you can choose between views of castle ruins, riverside stretches, birdwatching and historic fountains.
Landscape, Water and Fountains
The waterfall on Ribeira de Arronches, also known as Pego do Inferno, cascades into a rocky pool with a large water-storage capacity. A stone fountain with a small green door stands in a peaceful spot where you can observe local wildlife and plant life. When choosing natural sites, you can distinguish between two different perspectives: the rocky pool and the tranquil fountain with its surrounding wildlife and plant life.
A fountain was built in 1824. It lies on Ribeira do Ninho do Açor and is fed by a spring at Castanheiro da Penha; this spring also supplies Fonte da Carreira. One fountain structure has a granite basin into which water flows from two spouts, as well as two pointed-arch niches with wooden doors. Such architectural details add a specific architectural perspective to the landscape stops.
Trails with Different Highlights
From the castle ruins, the PR3 PTG – Percurso de Alegrete offers panoramic views. On the way back to Alegrete, it follows the banks of Ribeira de Arronches. If you are weighing up views and a watercourse when choosing a trail, these two features offer a concrete point of comparison: the panorama from the castle ruins or the stretch along Ribeira on the return route.
The Corredor Ecológico de Alegrete begins on an old medieval paved path near the ruins of Capela de São Pedro. The ruins of Castelejo along the route offer a spot for birdwatching; the Corredor ends at Sítio do Pico, where the Torre das Rapinas Observatory is located. Here, historic traces of the path, nature observation and a named destination shape the focus—different from the panorama and riverside on the PR3.
The Rota das Fontes is a mixed route: some sections are covered on foot, others by car, bicycle or motorcycle. When planning, this means distinguishing between the walking sections and those covered using other forms of transport. The different route descriptions therefore provide specific clues as to which highlight interests you: views and riverbanks, birdwatching, or a route with changing modes of transport.
History in the Townscape
The Coreto de Alegrete dates from the early 20th century and has an octagonal floor plan. Alegrete’s fountains served the local population not only as sources of water but also as meeting places and venues for social exchange. The Coreto is defined primarily by its design and period, while the fountains embody social history as well as architecture.
The São João celebrations in Alegrete preserve a centuries-old secular tradition. On São João night, people sing to the saint and drink blessed water from the fountains. In this way, festive tradition and the town’s social history are connected with the fountains, which also formed part of the water supply.
Discover more destinations: Urra, Alagoa, Portalegre.
Go to the main travel overview: Portalegre.
