Sao Bras de Alportel is a small town in Portugal with just over ten thousand residents. It is located inland but not too far from the coast. If you are looking for a property for sale in Sao Bras, then you are in luck as several are currently listed. These should provide you with a nice small town vibe that is close to nature. This is the place to go if you are tired of all the hustle and bustle around the coastline. Retire to a beautiful house in this quiet village and take a stroll around the town or ride your bike on the fantastic trails. Great bikes can be rented as well so you really don’t need a car to explore.
History
The town used to be a Roman outpost, as is true with the whole of the Algarve region. The Moors also marked their presence in the area around the 12th century. By the 17th, it became the chosen summer residence of the Algarve bishops. This attests to the beauty and tranquility of the place. They were also said to be attracted to the great weather. Since it became such an important location for the religious order, development came including roads that linked it to various important trade routes. It became a big producer of cork oak which led to the founding of the municipality early in the 20th century.
Walking Around Sao Bras
The fact that this is an old town is apparent in the structures that have remained standing for centuries including the various churches and estates. The narrow streets are also filled with cobblestones, specially around the city center. Most homes are painted white with verandas all around the second floor. The unhurried pace of life should do wonders for those who are stressed with their urban lifestyles. This place is quiet yet comfortable. It is still apparent that this was once an opulent place, but now the property for sale in Sao Bras are much more accessible to interested buyers.
Places of Interest
Just like any town, this one has its share of good restaurants and cafes. The local meals feature fresh herbs from the hills. There are also sites of particular interest including the Antonio Bentes Cultural Centre which is also an Algarvean costume ethnographic museum. It features excellent architecture that reflects the past wealth of the area. Aside from costumes, it also houses a collection of religious sculpture, old vehicles, and agricultural implements. Local arts and crafts are thriving in the form of brooms, woven grass, baskets, children’s toys, furniture, stonemasonry, and wrought iron work.
