- Alenquer
Infobox_Municipality_pt
official_name = Alenquer
image_coat_of_arms = ALQ.png
Region = Centro
Subregion =Oeste
District = Lisbon
Mayor_name = Álvaro Pedro
Mayor_party = PS
area_total = 304.2
population_total = 42,932
population_density = 141
Parishes = 16
coor = 39º03'N 9º01'W
params = 39_03_N_9_01_W
occasion =Ascension Day
day = date varies
website = http://www.cm-alenquer.ptAlenquer (pron. IPA2|ɐlẽ'kɛɾ) is a municipality in
Portugal with a total area of 304.2km² and a total population of 42,932 inhabitants. The municipality is composed of 16 parishes, and is located in the District of Lisbon.The present Mayor is Álvaro Joaquim Gomes Pedro, elected by the Socialist Party.
History
The name Alenquer is said to derive from the Germanic "Alen Ker" meaning the "Temple of the
Alans ", and the city itself is, legend says, is said to have been established by the Alanian kingAttaces . [Milhazes, José. [http://www.rtp.pt/index.php?article=264957&visual=16&rss=0 Os antepassados caucasianos dos portugueses] -Rádio e Televisão de Portugal in Portuguese.] . The Alans' dog, theAlaunt , is represented in the city's coat of arms. This is nothing but a legend, though, as there have been settlemenst in the area before Roman times [ [http://www.alenquer.oestedigital.pt/CustomPages/ShowPage.aspx?pageid=ea1bed30-ea26-44fb-90ab-9ea7a5054b88 Official site - History: Origins] in Portuguese.] , and these were also established there, namely in the location of "Ierabriga" or "Lerabriga" [ [http://www.alenquer.oestedigital.pt/CustomPages/ShowPage.aspx?pageid=02549373-ad83-46c2-8c3e-401f142a8b26 Official site - History: Roman period] in Portuguese.] . The city's castle, however, may have been established by the Alans, or maybe theVisigoths [ [http://www.alenquer.oestedigital.pt/CustomPages/ShowPage.aspx?pageid=6d234bad-123d-4a50-9524-476a00b381d4 Official site - History: Barbarian invasions] in Portuguese.] .Alenquer received its
Foral in1212 by the hand ofInfanta Sancha, Lady of Alenquer, daughter of KingSancho I of Portugal .Parishes
* Abrigada
* Aldeia Galega da Merceana
* Aldeia Gavinha
* Cabanas de Torres
* Cadafais
* Carnota
*Carregado
* Meca
*Olhalvo
* Ota
* Pereiro de Palhacana
* Ribafria
* Santo Estêvão (Alenquer)
* Triana (Alenquer)
* Ventosa
* Vila Verde dos Francosee also
*
Alenquer IPR Notes
External links
Official websites:
* [http://www.cm-alenquer.pt Official site]Other websites:
* [http://www.forum-alenquer.com/ Fórum Alenquer]
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