Castro Verde (civil parish)

Castro Verde is a civil parish (freguesia) in the municipality of Castro Verde, located in the district of Beja, in the Alentejo region of Portugal. It encompasses the town of Castro Verde and surrounding rural areas.

The parish is notable for its vast plains and agricultural lands, primarily used for cereal cultivation and livestock grazing. It forms part of the Campo Branco (White Field), a distinctive landscape of the Alentejo known for its biodiversity and importance for birdlife, particularly steppe birds.

Historically, Castro Verde has played a significant role in Portuguese history, particularly during the reign of King Afonso Henriques. The Battle of Ourique, a pivotal event in the establishment of Portugal as an independent kingdom, is traditionally believed to have taken place near Castro Verde, though its precise location remains a subject of debate among historians.

The parish's economy is largely based on agriculture and related services. Tourism, focused on nature observation and rural heritage, is also developing in the region. Important landmarks include the Basilica Real de Castro Verde, a significant example of Baroque architecture, and the Museum of the Roman Villa of Pisões, which showcases the area's Roman past.