Portalegre is a small city of the north-eastern Alentejo, on the lower slopes of the Serra de São Mamede and close to the Spanish border. The historic centre, the cathedral and the museums are within walking distance of each other, and the villages of the natural park are a short drive away.

This page covers what to see in and around Portalegre, and its food.

In the city of Portalegre

Historic centre: narrow streets of whitewashed houses and manor houses of the 16th to 18th centuries, below the castle.
Rossio: the main square of the lower town, with a large plane tree planted in the 19th century.
Mosteiro de São Bernardo: a former Cistercian convent of the 16th century, with a monumental tomb of a bishop.
Convent of Santa Clara: a medieval convent whose buildings now house the municipal library.
Castle: the remains of the castle of King Dinis in the upper town.
Municipal Museum: the city museum beside the cathedral, with sacred art and faience.
Robinson cork factory: the former cork factory of the city, with guided tours through its industrial buildings.

Near Portalegre

Marvão: a walled village on a granite crest in the Serra de São Mamede.
Castelo de Vide: a hill village with a castle and a medieval Jewish quarter.
Elvas: a border town surrounded by 17th-century fortifications, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Food in Portalegre

Convent sweets: the sweets of the convents of Santa Clara and São Bernardo, such as toucinho do céu.
Alentejo cooking: lamb stew, game dishes and cured meats.
Queijo de Nisa: a sheep's milk cheese from the nearby municipality of Nisa.