When visiting Lisbon, you might choose to stay in a town in the region without staying in the limits of the capital city itself. Your search on EasyToBook.com will turn up a number of options for your stay in the Lisboa region, and the town of Alenquer Grande is certainly a choice. Historians believe that the name of the town comes from a Germanic phrase, Alen Ker, which translates to the Temple of the Alans. This reference comes from the legend which tells us that Attaces, and Alanian king, founded the city. In fact, the Alaunt, or Alanian dog, is symbolized on the town’s coat of arms.

However, this is just a legend. Archaeologists have uncovered proof that the area has been inhabited since long before the Romans, in a settlement called Lerabriga. It is possible that the city castle was constructed by the Alans, although it is not certain; it may have been the Visigoths. No matter who constructed it, the castle is the town’s main landmark and is worth a visit.