Montalegre

Montalegre stands in the high country of Barroso, close to the Galician frontier. Ancient burial mounds and fortified hill settlements attest to the long occupation of these mountains; later the border encouraged the construction of castles. Afonso III granted Montalegre a charter in 1273, making it a center of the lands of Barroso. Successive kings confirmed or renewed its privileges, and after the Portuguese succession crisis John I gave the district to Nuno Álvares Pereira in recognition of his support.