Câmara Municipal de Alijó

Câmara Municipal de Alijó is the town hall of Alijó, a small town in the Douro region of Vila Real district, northern Portugal. The Paços do Concelho stands at Rua General Alves Pedrosa 13 and is one of the few examples of civil architecture in the town centre.

What will you see at Alijó town hall?

The building has two sections: an older one from the 18th century and a newer wing from the 19th. Its style is Baroque. The two-storey main front has plenty of windows and is crowned by a carved coat of arms. The side facades and the interior have been renovated, and the building still works as an active municipal office.

Because it sits in the middle of town, it makes a convenient starting point for a stroll. Close by are the chapel of Saint Anthony, the Senhor do Andor chapel linked to the Misericórdia, the Mannerist Chafariz de Alijó fountain, busts of José Maria Teixeira da Rocha and José Rufino, and the "Homenagem ao Homem do Douro" statue honouring the region's vineyard workers.

How and when can you visit?

This is a working office, so a visit mostly means admiring the exterior, plus stepping inside during opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30-12:30 and 14:00-18:00. It is closed to the public at weekends, though you can see the facade at any time. Phone: +351 259 957 100; website: cm-alijo.pt. Outdoor parking is available nearby.

What else is worth seeing in Alijó?

The Igreja Matriz de Alijó and the Santa Bárbara viewpoint are a short distance away. The town also keeps its pillory, and beside the old Casa dos Távoras grows a huge oriental plane tree classed as a national monument. The municipality has 19 parishes and about 10,500 residents (2021). It lies within the Alto Douro wine region, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape, and its heritage includes Roman bridges at Carlão and Sanfins do Douro, the prehistoric Anta da Fonte Coberta in Vila Chã and the Pala Pinta rock paintings in Carlão.

Walking trails have been marked across the municipality, and the restored Casa dos Noura manor, reopened in 2022, showcases local produce.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Alijó town hall?

At Rua General Alves Pedrosa 13, 5070-051 Alijó, in the town centre.

Can I go inside?

It is an active office. You can enter during working hours, Monday to Friday, 9:30-12:30 and 14:00-18:00. The exterior is always viewable.

How old is the building?

It was built in two phases, one in the 18th century and one in the 19th, in Baroque style.

Is there parking?

Yes, there is outdoor parking close to the building.

What is nearby?

The chapels of Saint Anthony and Senhor do Andor, the Chafariz fountain, Igreja Matriz de Alijó and the Santa Bárbara viewpoint.