Monuments

In the historic centre of Portalegre, heading down Rua do Comércio, there is the odd building of the Portalegre Misericórdia. Without any main façade rather having two lateral renaissance doors to the East and West, the building is now completely integrated into its urban surroundings. Two large flying buttresses serve as architectural supports connecting the building to the residences.

The Misericórdia was founded by the Church and its Consistory, where the cardinals would meet, and by the Hospital, located beyond the city walls in the Largo do Rossio. This was founded in the 16th century with the current building constructed on the site of a church dedicated to John the Baptist.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the building was stripped of its religious purpose with its contents sold at auction. In the 1980´s, it was purchased by the Portalegre Municipal Council and since 1991 it has served as the Portalegre Conservatory, with the church becoming the Municipal Auditorium.