Step into the fortified town of Alandroal, set in the heart of Alentejo's mid-eastern corner, within the Évora district and just a two-hour drive from Lisbon. The name Alandroal is derived from the blooming Alandro or Aloendro bush.
Visiting Alandroal means immersing yourself in a region where the waters of the Guadiana River merge into the vast Great Lake of the Alqueva dam. This river serves as the lifeblood of the Alandroal Nautical Station, offering a myriad of water-based activities such as sailing, diving, sport and recreational fishing, boat trips, cruises, kayak tours, stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing, rowing, water skiing, and motorboating, among others.
The municipality of Alandroal stands as one of the borderlands with Spain, called the Raia, with a tapestry of conflicts and wars. It boasts not one, but three historic castles: Alandroal Castle, Juromenha Castle, and Terena Castle, each serving as a guardian of the border.
In Alandroal, the white houses wrap around the Castle and its Keep, both occupying commanding positions atop the highest point. Although constructed after the Christian re-occupation in the 13th century, the castle bears a distinct Arab influence, evident in its Mudéjar architectural style. Legend has it that the castle was built by a member of the town's Muslim community, the Moor Galvo.
Alandroal also offers up treasures such as the Bicas Monumental Fountain, the Parish Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, the Town Hall, and the Misericórdia Church.
To the south, in the village of Terena, visitors shouldn't miss the 13th-century Castle and the unique Church of Nossa Senhora da Boa Nova, a fortress temple with a Greek cross-shaped plan—a true gem of medieval military architecture.
To the north, Juromenha Castle, often hailed as the "Guadiana sentry,"
stands proudly on a high hill overlooking the Guadiana River and Spain. Its origins date back to Roman and Visigothic periods, making it a captivating testament to the evolution of fortification systems.
From Islamic military packed earth structures to the adaptations for 17th-century artillery, Juromenha Castle showcases millenia of architectural heritage.
Within its walls, the churches of Misericórdia and São Francisco, alongside the Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora do Loreto, provide glimpses into the region 's religious history. The castle 's confines also house remnants of an old Town Hall, a jail, and a deep cistern.
To delve deeper into the legacy of this castle-rich municipality, join the AE Marble Route and the Historical and Architectural Heritage Route of Alandroal tour. Discover more about this captivating journey at https://rotadomarmoreae.com/en/visit/18/roteiro-do-patrimonio-historico-e-arquitetonico-do-alandroal
