This
veranda onto the Alentejo contains tens of white palaces framed in
ochre yellow. The former monastery, with its magnificent art
collection, is one of the landmarks of Portugal.
The
carpets of Portalegre are unique works capable of rendering the subtle
tones of any painting or design. And that design might be from a
Portuguese painter, Le Corbusier or Jean Lurçat, all of who have sought
to see their art re-represented in this form. In a former noble’s
residence, the Museum of Weaving is an essential stop on any visit to
this city. Indeed, it is down to the prosperity generated by the
textile industry of the 17th and 18th century that there are so many
Baroque palaces endowing the streets of the old city with a sober
elegance.
The Catholic Church was also behind many of the finest monuments of
Portalegre, such as the Convent of S. Bernardo. On visiting the tomb
the convent’s founder, bishop Jorge de Melo, ordered carved for
himself, and it proved to be one of the most beautiful and grandiose in
all Portugal, king Filipe II exclaimed "what a great cage for such a
small bird". Whether or not you agree with the king’s opinion, it is a
truly impressive sight and there is still much more to visit in
Portalegre. For example, the great Se that contains a unique collection
of 16th and 17th Portuguese painting and tile panels depicting biblical
scenes. Drop in on the house where José Régio, the teacher and 20th
century literature great, lived. While now a museum, the poet wished
for the interior to be maintained in perpetuity. Let the ambience take
you and discover one of the most unusual collections of religious and
popular artistic forms that was one of the defining passions of Régio’s
life.
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