MUNICIPALITIES

OURIQUE

Located at the confluence of Alentejo to the Algarve, in the south-central part of the country, Ourique still preserves the rural beauty of the countryside. The contrast between the golden plains and the whiteness of the single houses form the main scenario of this small village, that only has four parishes and 5.000 inhabitants. This landscape can be contemplated from the public viewpoint, where, between XXI and XIV centuries, has been built Ourique’s castle, under the orders of D. Dinis. There is

also a statue of D. Afonso Henriques (Portugal’s first king), that has fought in Ourique one of the most important battles of Portugal’s history, bringing down the arabs and becoming king. Highly related to religious, cultural and gastronomic traditions, this cosy village is also well-known by the traditional music (cante alentejano), food and by the church Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Cola, one of the most important pilgrimage place in the region.

ALJUSTREL

Situated in the heart of Alentejo, nearly 40km from Ourique, Aljustrel has 9.000 inhabitants and five parishes. The vastness of its fields and plains characterize the county, whose seat is considered one of the oldest villages in Portugal. Two hills, a valley, terraced houses, landscape out of sight and an ancient past. That’s the sightseeing from the top of the Senhora do Castelo. In the last two centuries, the coarseness of mining activity involved all community through this region, shaping its habits and traditions, dictating it to a greater or lesser magnitude breadwinner,

the bustle of day-to-day. Nationally known for the mining industry, the municipality also offers other historical testimonies from different times and religions, such as the Ermida de Santa Maria do Castelo, that includes the ruins of the arab castle and has been classified as Public Interest building, in 1992. Centro d’Artes and Oficinas de Formação e Animação Cultural are the main anchors of artistic dissemination and promotion in the village.

WORK SPACES

OURIQUE

CENTRO DE ARQUEOLOGIA CAETANO DE MELLO BEIRÃO

Opened on September 12th, 2009, Centro de Arqueologia Caetano de Mello Beirão (CACMB) is a research center for the archeological pieces, from Depósito Votivo do Garvão, with almost 2400 years, that have been in Conímbriga for more than 20 years. Actually CACMB works as center of archaeological studies, research and formation.

CENTRO DE CONVÍVIO DE OURIQUE

Centro de Convívio de Ourique is a space counting over 350 monthly users, animated by and for the people of Ourique of all ages. A multiuse space, stage for countless activities comprehending several areas. Besides an auditorium with more than 100 seats, Centro de Convívio includes yet a hall, a cafeteria, formations rooms and an internet space.

BIBLIOTECA MUNICIPAL DE OURIQUE — JORGE SAMPAIO

Biblioteca Municipal de Ourique — Jorge Sampaio had its opening on April 24th, in 2010, integrates the National Network of Public Libraries and is the visible face of the importance given to culture and knowledge by the municipality. With more than 15 thousand books to be lent away and with about 1500 users, the library is one of big municipality’s symbols, which led the PORDATA portal to distinguish Ourique, on 2013, by the investment made on literature. The library works in a modern architecture building meeting all the functional demands of a public library, includes a childhood department, multimedia, internet and newspapers sectors, cafeteria and auditorium.

CINE-TEATRO SOUSA TELLES

Cine-Teatro Sousa Telles reopened its doors on February 15th, 2009 with the opening of Basílio Valente Auditorium, becoming ever since one of the excellence cultural spaces of Ourique. Of its activities we can underline the usual cinema programing, shows of dance, of theatre and of music, besides the organization of seminars and meetings. From april 2015 onwards, the space is equipped with a Dolby Surround 7.1 sound system, and from then on, all the movies are projected on 2D.

ALJUSTREL

BIBLIOTECA DE ALJUSTREL

Opened on 8th December, 1997, the municipal library of Aljustrel integrates the Net of Public Reading Libraries and it’s a modern live and functional space, looking for getting together, handling and disclosing information in its various available supports.

CENTRO D’ARTES DE ALJUSTREL

Within Town’s Park, Centro d’Artes de Aljustrel holds as main mission the promotion and fulfillment of artistic activities. The building, Casa Jardim, holding previously the residencies of Santa Casa da Misericórdia, has been totally requalified between 2014 and 2016 and divides in 3 floors, including lodging and artistic residence area, cafeteria, workshops zones and gallery, besides an interior hall.

CINE ORIENTAL

After almost two years of requalification works, the emblematic Cine Oriental reopened its doors to the public, on 2014, in a totally renovated space which, besides movies projection, allows the implementation of several others cultural initiatives such as theater plays, dance, concerts.

OFICINAS DE FORMAÇÃO E ANIMAÇÃO CULTURAL

Espaço Oficinas is a municipal structure that follow the principle: give opportunities — create necessities. The building allows to promote different cultural activities as exhibitions, shows, talks, workshops, among others. It also includes café, accomodation, formation rooms, gallery and a pavilion.