Portalegre is a town in the Alto Alentejo district. This region has a long and rich history dating back to Roman times, and the town was conquered several times, first by the Romans in 138 BC, then by the Moors in 715. It was finally retaken by the Portuguese in the 12th century. Like many cities on the old continent, Portalegre has witnessed wars and revolutions, as well as economic and political crises. Occupied by the French during the Napoleonic Wars, Portalegre underwent major transformations during the 20th century. The town enjoyed an economic boom in the 1950s, thanks to textile production, but the economic crisis of the 1970s led to a large-scale migration of residents to the country's major cities. Today, Portalegre is a dynamic town that has managed to preserve its historical and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the historic monuments that bear witness to the town's rich history. The town is also famous for its annual film festival, the Portalegre International Film Festival.
