It is believed to have been established by the Moors in the 10th century when they occupied the area which was called "Garb Al Andaluz". During recent archaeological excavations, some finds unearthed reveal that the site had been occupied from the Iron Age. Some legends exist concerning Aljezur Castle, one of them being that it was overrun by the Portuguese at dawn on 24th June, 1249, which is why Our Lady of Alva is the patron saint of Aljezur. In addition to the details concerning the castle's origins and history, the magnificent panoramic view from the building should not be missed.

This church is located right at the historical town centre, with its typical alleyways and whitewashed walls. Construction of the Church of Mercy was authorised by King Sebastião in 1573 and represents the town's main religious feature. Its relatively simple facade, highlighted by an 18th century bell-tower and Renaissance Style portal, was redesigned during renovation work carried out after the 1755 earthquake, and again as recently in the 1990's.
Up against this church is a Sacred Art Museum, owned by the Aljezur Mercy institution and the Parish of Our Lady of Alva.

This house-museum , to be found at Rua do Castelo, No.2, contains a valuable collection of paintings bequeathed by the artist to his birthplace on his death in 1992. Of special interest are countless antique objects from a large number of different sources that the painter collected, as well as wonderful pieces of furniture in various styles, porcelain of numerous origins, paintings and the artist's studio. The simple house has a garden established by the painter himself, and from which one may enjoy the spectacular view in a pleasant atmosphere.

This is to be found in the former (19th century) Town-hall building and, apart from the Municipal Art Gallery which holds countless exhibitions yearly, it offers sections of Archaeology and Ethnography. The former exhibits some archaeological relics, mainly from the Bronze Age, the "Mirense" period and Muslim occupation, (the highlight being a collection of "Mirense" axes). The Ethnography section has an interesting variety of farm implements used by the rural population, together with an accurate replica of rooms of a houses in the past.

Built at the end of the 16th century, this church served as nucleus of the Igreja Nova quarter. Its interior is composed of three naves, with an imposing main altar. It boasts a fine statue of Nossa Senhora da Alva (18th century) flanked by two 17th century statues, probably taken from the former main church, which was destroyed in 1755. The side chapels contain 17/18th century retables taken from the former monastery of Nossa Senhora d'Alva, in Monchique. There is a baptismal front in the Manueline style (16th century). In the sacristy are crucifixes dating from the 18th/ 19th century. Among items in the church's treasures are a Eucharist box encrusted with mother of pearl and gothic chalice, housed in a 17th century ostensorium.