History, changes and the heritage protection of traditional urban centers in Alentejo

Abstract

In this paper we reflect on the importance of the built heritage in Portugal's inlands regions, considering two particular case studies in the Alentejo region, Mértola, in the south, and Estremoz, to the north. We conclude that researching valuing, and rehabilitating the historical centers of territories falling within the Low Density category may play a fundamental role within the context of policies against decline and desertification. With this aim, it is fundamental to consider the processes of creation and transformation of these built ensembles inside public policies and to pursue alternative models of governance.