Monforte

Monforte is a small town in the Portalegre district, part of the Alentejo region in southern Portugal, nestled between Portalegre and Estremoz. This location places it in a rural area known for its cork oak forests and traditional landscapes, ideal for mineral exploration.

The area is notable for uncommon minerals like vesuvianite and andradite, often found in road cuts near the village. The D. João quarry, an active site, produces pink granite containing biotite, microcline, plagioclase, and quartz, adding to the region’s mineral diversity.

Monforte sits in a contact zone of metamorphic rocks, part of the Alto Alentejo Complex, which includes alkaline rocks and carbonatites. Historically, it had mining concessions for lead, copper, tin, and titanium, reflecting past industrial activity. Today, the D. João quarry continues to extract granite, maintaining a link to its mining heritage.

The Alentejo region, including Monforte, is known for its rural traditions, with festivals like the Monforfeira and historical buildings like the Igreja Matriz. It enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters, supporting the montado ecosystem of cork oaks and pastures, enhancing its appeal for visitors.