Alcáçovas: Chocalho Culture and History

Alcáçovas brings together the making of traditional chocalhos, distinctive religious architecture and the Feira do Chocalho to create a clear cultural identity. During your stay, you can focus on the history of the craft, architecture or the annual event in July.

Paço dos Henriques and local history

Paço dos Henriques is classified as an Imóvel de Interesse Público (Property of Public Interest); it received this classification in 1993. Since 4 September 2021, the Paço has housed the permanent exhibition “Paço dos Henriques: História e Memória”. Check the exhibition’s visiting arrangements before your trip. The Alcáçovas Tourist Office is also located in the Paço.

Chocalhos: craftsmanship and cultural heritage

Alcáçovas is Portugal’s main centre for making chocalhos, traditional livestock bells. The chocalho-making tradition was added to the UNESCO lists of intangible cultural heritage in need of urgent safeguarding on 1 December 2015. The nomination was submitted by, among others, Turismo do Alentejo, the Câmara Municipal de Viana do Alentejo and the Junta de Freguesia de Alcáçovas.

There is documented evidence of chocalho-making dating back to the 19th century. A published document is believed to be the certificate officially recognising the profession in Alcáçovas. The Museu do Chocalho contains more than 5,800 bells and grew out of the workshop of bell-maker João Chibeles Penetra. The museum is currently closed to the public; visits are possible by prior appointment only.

Churches and distinctive design

The Igreja Matriz do Salvador, formerly known as Igreja Matriz de Santa Maria de Alcáçovas, was founded in 1308. It has eight chapels, including the pantheon of the Henriques de Trastâmara. The main chapel features a stone coffered vault, polychrome azulejos and a Mannerist altarpiece that is gilded and polychrome.

The design of the Capela de Nossa Senhora da Conceição and Jardim das Conchas incorporates around 26 types of shell. A water system carries water from the fountain through the aqueduct to the basin. The Capela and Jardim das Conchas are considered a unique example of the Alentejo’s cultural diversity.

Feira do Chocalho and annual planning

The Feira do Chocalho is an annual four-day event in Alcáçovas. It takes place on the weekend of the fourth Sunday in July and highlights Cante Alentejano and the art of making chocalhos as defining elements of the town’s identity. The event programme includes crafts, trade, gastronomy, concerts, an agricultural exhibition, other exhibitions, equestrian and bullfighting activities, and sports. Individual programme items may vary from one edition to the next.

Walking trail and a nearby destination

The Rota do Chocalho is a walking trail established by the Junta de Freguesia de Alcáçovas. Check whether the route is available before your trip. About three kilometres from Alcáçovas is the Convento Nossa Senhora da Esperança. It was built over a 15th-century hermitage dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Graça. The convent remains a place of worship and pilgrimage and is dedicated to its patron saint, Nossa Senhora da Esperança.

Getting there

Alcáçovas is connected by road, including via the N257. This road is therefore one of the landmarks to bear in mind when planning your journey.

Discover more destinations: Alcáçovas, Sabugueiro, Montemor-O-Novo, Mora, Reguengos De Monsaraz, Portel, Vila Viçosa, São Pedro

View the wider travel guide: Evora.