Aljustrel Guide Alentejo

Aljustrel: Alentejo

Amazing Aljustrel

Aljustrel, in the district of Beja is a small town of around 7,000 people in the Lower Alentejo (Baixa Alentejo) in south east Portugal. It is about 28 km directly north of Castro Verde.

Igreja da Misericórdia de Messejana, Alentejo, Portugal. — Igreja da Misericórdia de Messejana

History

The town has the usual history of places in this region of Portugal. Once a Roman town called Metallum Vispascense (for its mining industry; see below) and later occupied by the Moors, it was retaken along with nearby Castro Verde by the first King of Portugal, Afonso I, at the Battle of Ourique in 1139. However, it was not until 1235 that the Christians gained full control of the territory under King Sancho II.

Along with Beja and Serpa, the town is surrounded by rolling wheat fields in the 'breadbasket of Portugal' with the local pão caseiro, paricularly delicious and used for soaking up the area's rich stews.

Açorda (bread soup) is a local speciality made with garlic and fresh cilantro, olive oil, and a poached egg.

Other agricultural products of the region include cork, olives, and wine.

The countryside surrounding Castro Verde, Alentejo, Portugal. — The countryside surrounding the town is known for its wheat farming

The Igreja Nossa Senhora do Castelo. — A view of the Igreja Nossa Senhora do Castelo and the castle ruins

Attractions

Some attractions in Aljustrel include the Parque Mineiro de Aljustrel, mines which date back to the Chalcolithic era before the Bronze Age, through the Roman period and beyond. Indeed, mining in the area only ceased in 2008. Visitors can now experience an interesting guided tour of the shafts where both lead and zinc were once mined.

The mining landscape of Aljustrel. — The mining landscape of Aljustrel

The Museu Municipal de Aljustrel (MuMA), housed in the former town hall building, has exhibits on the archeology and history of the area, with emphasis on the mining industry of the district. There is a small admission (1 Euro) and the museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday.

The ruins of the Moorish Castelo de Aljustrel (Aljustrel Castle) offer great views over the surrounding countryside. The Igreja Nossa Senhora do Castelo stands here and is an important place of pilgrimage and the center of an annual festival.

In the nearby parish of Messejana is an historic pillory (pelourinho) standing outside the fine Igreja da Misericórdia de Messejana with its pleasing belltower. The church is a mix of architectural styles: Manueline, Mannerist, Baroque and Roccoco. It dates from 1570. The main altarpiece is a flamboyant masterpiece of gilded woodwork.

Also in Messejana is the exquisite Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Assunção de Messejana which dates back to the 15th century. Inside, the chancel is decorated with 18th-century azulejos tiles depicting scenes of the birth of the Virgin Mary. It is the site of an annual procession, during which the image of Our Lady of the Assumption is carried to the chapel.

Festivals

The Festicante is a music festival in Aljustrel in September and also includes art by NAVA - Núcleo de Artes Visuais de Aljustrel on display at the Centro D'Artes de Aljustrel. Also in September is the Festival in Honor of Nossa Senhora do Castelo with masses, a procession and fireworks.

Aljustrel is also the name of a small hamlet near Fátima. It is the birthplace of Lúcia dos Santos, and Francisco and Jacinta Marto - known as the "three little shepherds of Fátima" or the "three child seers." This location was also the backdrop for key events during the apparitions of Our Lady of Fátima in 1917. Today, a small house-museum stands at the site.

Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Assunção de Messejana. — Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Assunção de Messejana

Aljustrel Tourist Office

Edifício do Parque Mineiro de Aljustrel, Bairro de Santa Bárbara, Vale d'Oca 7600-020 Aljustrel.
Find information on where to stay and eat in the area at the Tourist Office at the Parque Mineiro de Aljustrel (Mining Museum).

Getting to Aljustrel

Castro Verde is approximately 190 kilometers south of Lisbon and 100 kilometers north of Faro, making it reachable by car or bus. Ajustrel is 28 km north of Castro Verde on the N2.

Train Travel in Portugal

The town is not connected by railway anymore. The station lies abandoned. Beja does have a railway station, however. The journey from Beja to Lisbon takes about 2 hours, 10 minutes. Aljustrel is 37 km southwest of Beja.

Car Travel in Portugal

Castro Verde is on the IP2 southwest from Beja. From Faro take the A2 north - the journey is about 100 km.

Bus Travel in Portugal

Rede Expressos buses run from Faro to Castro Verde via Quarteira, Vilamoura and Albufeira. The journey is 2 hours, 15 minutes. Rede Expressos buses also connect Castro Verde to both Beja and Serpa. Rede Expressos buses also run between Beja and Aljustrel. Journey time is just 35 minutes.

There are also local buses from Castro Verde south to Almodôvar.