- Alvito (Portugal)
Infobox_Municipality_pt
official_name = Alvito
image_coat_of_arms = AVT.png
District = Beja
Mayor_name = João Trindade
Mayor_party = Independent
area_total = 264.8
Region =Alentejo
Subregion = Lower Alentejo
population_total = 2,708
population_density = 10
Parishes = 2
coor = 38º15'N 7º59'W
params = 38_15_N_7_59_W
occasion =Ascension Day
day = date varies
website = http://www.cm-alvito.pt
footnotes =Alvito (pron. IPA2|aɫ'vitu) is a municipality in
Portugal with a total area of 264.8km² 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.
History
The Alvito region has been inhabited since the
Neolithic , and during the period of Roman domination severalvilla e were established nearby, later occupied byVisigoths andMoors . During theReconquista , 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.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 decisiveBattle of Aljubarrota (1385), and in 1475 the title ofBaron 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 architecture and decoration show an interesting mix of
Manueline (Portuguese late Gothic) andMudéjar (Arab-influenced) styles, typical of theAlentejo region. Also the main church ("matriz") of Alvito, in a mix ofManueline and earlyRenaissance 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.Parishes
* Alvito
* Vila Nova da BaroniaPopulation
External links
* [http://www.cm-alvito.pt/ Town Hall official website]
* [http://www.flickr.com/photos/vitor107/sets/1419465/ Photos from Alvito]
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