Monuments

The Church of Nossa Senhora da Penha (Our Lady of Pity) is located on the brow of the hill to the west of Portalegre. The views alone, looking out over the entire city, make the visit worthwhile. Access to the belvedere is either via car or the long carved polychromatic marble stairway.

On the site of an old chapel, the church was built in 1620 on the initiative of the governor of Portalegre, João Zuzarte da Fonseca. In 1675, it was placed in the trust of the Agostinhos Descalços Monks. This is an example of the popular Baroque style and of very simple design and decoration. Nothing stands out but there is a great deal of religious symbolism. A place of pilgrimage and worship, there remain many of the examples of the offerings given by the faithful.