Alvito (Portugal)

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Alvito
Flag of Alvito
Municipal flag
Coat of arms of Alvito
Municipal coat of arms
Location of Alvito
Location  
 - Country Flag of Portugal Portugal
 - Region Alentejo
 - Subregion Lower Alentejo
 - District or A.R. Beja
Mayor João Trindade
 - Party Independent
Area 264.8 km²
Population
 - Total 2,708
 - Density 10/km²
No. of parishes 2
Coordinates 38º15'N 7º59'W
Municipal holiday Ascension Day
date varies
Website: http://www.cm-alvito.pt

Alvito (pron. IPA: [aɫ'vitu]) is a municipality in Portugal with a total area of 264.8 km² and a total population of 2,708 inhabitants.

The municipality is composed of 2 parishes, and is located in the District of Beja.

The present Mayor is João Lança Trindade.

The municipal holiday is Ascension Day.

Contents

[edit] History

The Alvito region has been inhabited since the Neolithic, and during the period of Roman domination several villae were established nearby, later occupied by Visigoths and Moors. During the Reconquista, Alvito was conquered by the Portuguese in 1234, being later (1251) donated by King Afonso III to Estêvão Anes, chancellor of the kingdom, who promoted the settlement of the area.

Castle of Alvito.
Castle of Alvito.

The village gained a foral (letter of feudal rights) in 1280, confirmed by King Dinis I in 1283. In 1296 an annual fair was established, attesting the rapid development of the region. In 1387, King John I donated Alvito to knight Diogo Lobo in exchange for his services in the decisive Battle of Aljubarrota (1385), and in 1475 the title of Baron was granted to the rulers of Alvito.

The 15th and 16th centuries were a time of strong economic and populational development of Alvito, which reached 1700 inhabitants in 1527. The Castle of Alvito was rebuilt between 1494 and 1504, and its architeture and decoration show an interesting mix of Manueline (Portuguese late Gothic) and Mudéjar (Arab-influenced) styles, typical of the Alentejo region. Also the main church (matriz) of Alvito, in a mix of Manueline and early Renaissance styles, dates from the early 16th century.

After the 18th century, Alvito faced an economic stagnation that continued until the 20th century, and it now bets on its touristic potential. In 1993, the Castle of Alvito was turned into a luxury hotel of the Pousadas de Portugal brand.

[edit] Parishes

  • Alvito
  • Vila Nova da Baronia
View of a street in Alvito. The yellow building in the background is the main church (matriz) of the village.
View of a street in Alvito. The yellow building in the background is the main church (matriz) of the village.

[edit] Population

Population of Alvito (1801 – 2004)
1801 1849 1900 1930 1960 1981 1991 2001 2004
1079 4569 3065 4556 4850 2968 2650 2688 2708

[edit] External links

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Municipalities of the District of Beja
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