The third-largest municipality in the District of Lisbon, located just 35 km from the capital, Alenquer has a long-standing tradition of vineyards and is renowned for its wine production. Situated on a slope, starting from the top of a small hill (outeiro) and stretching down to the valley where the river of the same name flows, Alenquer holds the distinguished title of the ‘Portuguese Crib.’ It comes as no surprise that the city was one of Luís Vaz de Camões’ favorites. With its historical significance, including prehistoric fossils and captivating castles, Alenquer has a rich heritage that dates back to ancient times. Notably, it is the birthplace of Damião de Góis, a prominent historian and key figure of the Portuguese Renaissance. Today, Alenquer is emerging as a thriving community within the Lisbon region, offering an appealing environment for those seeking to live in Portugal. Continue reading to discover more about Alenquer and the attractions it has to offer.
Alenquer’s Wineries
Alenquer is renowned as one of the leading wine-producing municipalities in Portugal, known for its exceptional and high-quality wines. It has earned numerous national and international awards, thanks to its elegant and opulent wine offerings.
Alenquer boasts a rich types of wines, utilizing grape varieties such as Touriga Nacional, Arinto, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Viognier. The region is home to several prominent wineries, including Quinta do Monte d’Oiro, Quinta do Carvalhão Torto, Casa Santos Lima, Quinta de Pancas and Quinta da Chocapalha, among others.
Alenquer wineries offer visitors the opportunity to visit the vineyards, participate in tastings and learn about the wine production process, providing an enriching experience for oenology lovers.
Things to do in Alenquer, Portugal
In addition to visiting the wineries of Alenquer, which is certainly a tour that should be at the top of the list of things to do in the city, there are other attractions. See below:
Alenquer Castle
Alenquer Castle, also known as Catelo da Vila, is a medieval fortification located on top of a hill, offering a panoramic view of the city and the surroundings. The castle has a rich history and has played an important role in the region’s defense over the centuries.
Originally built by the Alans, the castle was renovated by the Araes and later rebuilt by Dom Afonso Henriques.
St. Peter’s Church
The Church of São Pedro presents a rich architecture, with emphasis on the facade with Gothic-Manueline features. This is where the tomb of Damião de Góis, an important historian of the Portuguese Renaissance, can be found.
The church was built in the 13th century, however, with the earthquake of 1755 it was damaged. In the 18th century it was rebuilt.
Convent of San Francisco
The Convent of São Francisco in Alenquer is a place of great historical and cultural importance in the city. Founded in the 13th century, the convent houses a rich architectural and religious heritage. Its imposing structure is made up of cloisters, chapels, corridors and rooms that have witnessed centuries of devotion and monastic life. Architectural details, such as pointed arches and wall paintings, enchant visitors, transporting them to the past. In addition, the convent has a valuable collection of religious art, with sculptures, paintings and liturgical objects that tell the story of religious devotion in the region. Currently, the Convent of São Francisco is a place of tourist interest, where visitors can explore its facilities, learn about the religious history of Alenquer and appreciate the artistic beauty preserved over the years.
Why is Alenquer also known as “Vila-presépio” (Crib Town) ?
There are several reasons why Alenquer is known as the Crib of Portugal.
We could say that the main reason is its magnificent architecture with narrow streets and stone houses, its charming historic center and an atmosphere that preserves the essence of the past. The city itself, arranged on the hill, would be a “nativity scene”.
However, the title comes loaded with a rich tradition of the region. For centuries, the city has been building handmade nativity scenes and nurturing a deep connection with the Christmas season. Some say that it was in Alenquer where they found the first record of a crib, in 1569, in the Convent of Santa Catarina da Carnota.
The ability of local artisans to carve figures and set up meticulous sets has turned Alenquer into a center of reference for nativity scenes in Portugal.
It is during the month of December that one of the most spectacular festivals takes place. This Christmas season, Vila de Alenquer brings out all the charm of Christmas with exhibitions, fairs and events that celebrate the art of the crib, attracting visitors from all over the country. It is at this time that craftsmen build, on the hillside, an imposing nativity scene in honor of the victims of the great floods in Portugal in 1967.
The huge and wonderful nativity scene on the hill is an icon of Alenquer that values the spirit of solidarity!
Name origin
Its name derives from “Alen Ker”, which means “the will of Alão”, in reference to the Alano dog, a breed of hunting and fighting dogs, which is still present in the coat of arms of the village.
Why is the region an ideal place to invest or live in Portugal?
Alenquer is a region that is emerging in Lisbon and still maintains attractive prices. The entire region offers excellent quality of life, excellent schools, nature and proximity to the Portuguese capital (only 35 km).
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CAP International is a global real estate company specialized in Portugal and aimed at the Brazilian public. If you want to know more about real estate in Alenquer or any other region of Portugal, get in touch right now and chat with me via WhatsApp: Click here to start the conversation now via WhatsApp (My name is Bruna Barros).