Montalegre

Montalegre is a council of the district of Vila Real, two of Barroso, next to Boticas, and shares its territory, about 26%, integrated into the Peneda-Gerês National Park.
Dolmens and castros reveal that the territory was occupied since pre-historic times.

The first documents on the existence of the town of Montalegre date from the reign of D. Afonso III who, recognizing the strategic importance of the territory at a military level, granted the first charter to Montalegre, in 1273. The charter was confirmed and renewed by D. Dinis , in 1289, and by D. Afonso IV, in 1491.

There are various castles erected on the land of Montalegre, proof of their military importance, two of which, currently, only a few vestiges exist.

One of the two most important events in the municipality of Montalegre is the Feira do Fumeiro and the Presunto do Barroso, which receives thousands of visitors every year. There are many iguarias that can be appreciated without certainty, as presumed, legs, queixadas, chouriças de carne, salpicões, alheiras, chouriços de abóbora, pão de centeio, mel, chás, liqueurs, and many other products.

Internationally known as the Congress of Popular Medicine, promoted by Father Fontes for 34 years. He found that its place in Vilar de Perdizes, in Montalegre, gained visibility due to the “junction of the sacred and the profane” starring a father. It was like the art of sacralizing or profane and desecrating or sacred». It is a meeting point between cultures, creeds, medicines, religions, knowledge, an original fair that every year attracts thousands of visitors to the region.

Also, the celebration of the sixth fairs 13 has a prominent place in Montalegre. All the sixth fairs on the 13th of the year are commemorated in a singular way, creating unique cenários of creativity. The project involves hundreds of participants, national and international, professionals and lovers, attracting thousands of tourists.

There are many activities carried out by the municipality of Montalegre, two of the main transmontane tourist destinations.