Alte

The town of Alte has existed since it was occupied by the Romans. With whitewashed houses and colourful facades, ornate chimneys and an air of tranquillity the town is considered by some to be one of the most typical of the Algarve. Set on a hillside the narrow cobbled streets, many of which are almost too narrow for both vehicles and pedestrians, provide interesting corners to explore in this pretty town. The main church was built in the 13th Century by the wife of the second lord of Alte to give thanks for his safe return from a crusade to the Holy Land. Although modified through the centuries, particularly the 16th and 18th, there are good examples of Manueline architecture, wooden mouldings and tiles. The vaulted ceiling is painted with decorated keystones with each chapel having its own interesting architectural or artistic features. Fonte Grande and Fonte Pequena are the source of the Alte river which once turned the wheels of the village’s nine mills. These Fontes were for centuries the meeting place for the women to fill pitchers and do their washing. Tables and stone benches have now been installed in the shade of the overhanging trees.

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