History of Alvorge
The name: from the Arabic al-Burj, ‘the tower’. It passed through several concelhos, among them that of Rabaçal, before being absorbed into Ansião. The parish belonged for centuries to the University of Coimbra. In 1141 Alvorge was donated to the monastery of Santa Cruz in Coimbra. The village of Ateanha, a former parish on top of a hill, keeps a stone image of Saint Martin from the late Middle Ages.
What to see in Alvorge
Igreja Matriz (Nossa Senhora da Conceição)
Late 17th century, altarpiece with Solomonic columns.
Capela da Misericórdia
Baroque, with the royal coat of arms and a gilded 18th-century high altar.
Fountain tower
Ruins of a defensive tower from the Reconquista.
Population and location
In the 2021 census, the freguesia of Alvorge had 1,051 inhabitants; its area is 39.05 km².
Festivals and food
The café on the square prepares lunches and dinners for pilgrims.
The Portuguese Camino in Alvorge
Alvorge is the end of the Alvaiázere – Alvorge stage and the start of Alvorge – Cernache. It has a parish albergue, whose keys are collected at the Cruzeiro café on the square, which is also the only bar-restaurant and prepares meals for pilgrims. There is also a private albergue with a restaurant, and a shop.
Frequently asked questions
How many albergues are there in Alvorge?
This guide lists 2 places to stay for pilgrims in Alvorge, with checked prices, beds and seasons.
Which stage of the Portuguese Camino is Alvorge on?
It is the end of the Alvaiázere – Alvorge stage (22.7 km, 14.1 miles) and the start of the Alvorge – Cernache stage (26.1 km, 16.2 miles).