Eastern Way
Alpalhão < > Nisa
Stage 18
The Açafa estate, where Nisa would be born, was donated to the Order of the Temple by D. Sancho I. Around 1290, D. Dinis ordered the refounding of the village of Nisa in the Azambujal valley, a few kilometers south of Old Nisa. The construction of the village’s defensive fence dates back to the end of the 13th century. The works were directed by Lourenço Martins, master of the Order of the Temple, who erected a quadrangular fence, reinforced by towers. This defensive system was the object of several renovation campaigns in 1343, 1512 and 1646. On the latter date, in the context of the war with Spain, the second line of walls was erected covering the town outskirts, thus creating the two common yards (inside and outside), which still characterize Nisa’s urbanism today. Part of the Porta de Santiago gate, which was arch-shaped and flanked by two quadrangular towers, is still preserved, and the cult of the apostle remains in the toponym Rua de Santiago, on the north side of the village.
Nisa used to have a hostel for travelers, sick persons and pilgrims since 1218, founded by the master of the Order of the Temple, D. Pedro Alvitis. After the extinction of the Knights Templar, the hostel was managed by a local confraternity until it was integrated into the Misericórdia’s heritage.
Misericórdia was founded in 1520 and began to manage all the assets of that medieval hostel. The church dates back to the beginning of the 16th century, according to a simple and, above all, functional model. The main portal is not subject to this rule, as it is highly decorated and part of the Renaissance form: it is inscribed in a frame, flanked by columns, and has Italian motifs, called “grotesques”. It’s one of the most emblematic portals of the village. The inner space of the church is relatively small and consists of a nave and main chapel. The side walls include tribunes for the Brothers of Misericórdia, wooden balconies that allowed the registrars to comfortably attend the religious services. The main chapel was greatly enriched in 1791, thus presenting an artistic heritage of Rococo style, especially its main altarpiece, of white and polychrome wood, with a central tribune.
Chapel of Santo António
At the entrance to the village of Nisa, the Chapel of St Anthony was built in the 15th century but has undergone many changes over the centuries. It preserves the quadrangular narthex, accessible by a pointed arch, in which travelers of all kinds were welcomed. Inside, the ribbed vault, from Gothic times, whose closure bears the cross of the Order of Malta, is also preserved. The access to the temple itself dates back to the 17th century, as well as some artistic stuffing. In 1892, the churchyard was afforested, and in 1908 the chapel floor was replaced. The churchyard hosts many festivities, especially on 13 June, St Anthony’s day, but also in September, when the “Cavalhadas” were celebrated, a noisy pilgrimage made on horseback recreating the fights between the Christians and the Moors, promoted by the “almocreves” (muleteers), and ending in a great feast.
and also…
January Fair − January
Nisa Festival − August
Nisa’s Pottery
Exhibited in the Museu do Bordado e do Barro (Embroidery and Clay Museum), the potteries of Nisa are still maintained by the hands of three artisans. Today we can appreciate vases decorated with inlaid stone designs, which were used to conserve freshwater and suitable for transport through the houses.
Olaria de Nisa
We start the path in Largo do Adro square, with the main church in a prominent position, and the “God’s Finger” sculpture indicating the Path. We continue along the Rua de Santo António cobblestone, and at the next crossroad, near the water spout, we cross the street and continue to the one on the right. At the end, we turn left and start the dirt track on the right, already at the exit of Alpalhão.
We walk over a plain formed almost 300 million years ago. Here, the famous biotitic granite of the region rules, the “Blue of Alpalhão”, applied on the buildings façades and funerary monuments, which we can see in some nearby quarries.
We walk several kilometres alongside the Figueiró stream. Many peoples left its traces around this territory, from the Neolithic menhirs, dolmens and tombs to the important Arab and Roman roads. Without any safer alternative, we enter the N18 national road and, after 1.6 km, we turn to the left, through a pleasant rural path that goes through the middle of holm oaks and olive groves. With
Nisa at our doorstep, we cross once again the Figueiró stream, passing through the old granite colts, just before reaching Santo António chapel. We enter Nisa by Fonte da Cruz square, with an old wayside cross that gives it its name, and we follow the signs to the large square where the tourism office is located.
We explore the town with good appetite, and here it is essential to taste two products on a good bread from Alentejo: the Queijo Mestiço de Tolosa and the Queijo de Nisa cheeses! The latter, from the Merina Branca sheep breed, is still handmade. To accompany, we have a delicious Sopa de Cachola (Soup of pork blood and guts) or the traditional Feijão das Festas (Tomato and bean stew).
In July, we can watch a performance of the folkloric group Rancho Folclórico das Saias Bordadas da Falagueira, with colorful clothes, rich in embroideries that are an art on the brink of extinction.
We also visit the ruins of the castle, which include the tower walls, door and dungeon,built by the Knights Templars in the 13th century. And it is said that Vasco da Gama, the famous discoverer of the Maritime Way to India, lived here…
Tips
Always carry water, supplies, sunscreen, a hat, waterproof, comfortable shoes, and a map.
Support
Bank/Cash Dispenser
CTT Post Office
Nisa Parisha
Tourism Office
+351 245 997 341
Supermarket
Public Entities
Nisa City Council
+351 245 410 000
Health
Health Center
+351 245 410 160
Pharmacy
Points of Interest
Misericórdia Church
Santo António Church
Espírito Santo Church
Main Church
Mártir Santo Chapel
São Tiago Street
Ruins of São Tiago Church
Village Gate
Montalvão Gate
Figueiró Stream
Vereda da Sardinheira (Footpath)
USEFUL CONTACTS
Emergency: 112
Forest Fires: 117
Nisa Fire Department: +351 245 412 303
GNR − National Republican Guard: +351 245 410 116
CODE OF CONDUCT
Do not leave the marked and signaled route. Do not approach cliffs. Pay attention to the markings. Do not dispose of organic or inorganic waste during the trail, take a bag for this purpose. If you see garbage, collect it, help us to keep the Paths clean. Beware of livestock, don’t bother the animals. Leave Nature intact. Do not collect plants, animals or rocks. Avoid making noise. Respect private property, close gates and barriers. Don’t light fires and be careful with cigarettes. Do not vandalize the Paths signage.
