Alvaiázere, central Portugal

The market town of Alvaiázere is located in Central Portugal, approximately 163 kilometres north of Lisbon.

The town was named by invading Arabs in the eighth century. They baptised the town Al-Bai-Zir and over the years it has evolved to it's present name.

Over the past decade Alvaiázere, thanks to assistance from EU funding, has begun a programme of regeneration with money being spent on public facilities including the municipal swimming baths.

Alvaiázere, however is not only a town, but a municipality and consists

of seven parishes - Almoster, Alvaiázere, Macas de Caminho, Maças de

Dona Maria, Pelmá, Pussos and Rego da Murta. The regional council offices are located within Alvaiázere.

The limestone mountain range, which depending on the season is  covered in heather and small orchids, which looms over the town has the same name Serra da Alvaiázere.

Two rivers flow through and around the town. The River Nabão, which continues it's course to Tomar, is one and the other is the river Alge. Fertile soil and slopes well adapted for Olive trees ensure the continuance of the area's base economy, agriculture.

Alvaiázere is famous for Chicharo, a chickling pea. Residents continue to hold festivals in the Chicharo's honour, which is usually eaten with roasted piglet. Alvaiázere hosts a weekly market every Wednesday where stalls are laden with every kind of fresh produce.

Although a small, market town Alvaiázere has a range of shops, cafes, supermarkets, banks, pharmacy and hospital as well as a refurbished sports centre and swimming pool complex.

Amenities in Alvaiázere

Alvaiázere has all the facilities needed within a small market town - school, banks, shops, cafes, weekly market and supermarket. However for accommodation and restaurants it may be necessary to venture further afield.

Map of Alvaiázere

 
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