The town of Oriola, now a village in the municipality of Portel, was a town and municipal seat until 1836. Its first grantee was João Moniz, a cleric and chief treasurer to King Afonso III, and its last, D. Luís Lobo da Silveira, 7th Baron of Alvito.
In 1282, it received a charter from King Dinis, and was expanded in 1516 by King Manuel I. This municipality had two parishes: Nossa Senhora da Assunção do Bomalbergue, around which the first settlement developed, and S. Bartolomeu do Outeiro, or Oriola de Cima.
The importance of the town of Oriola may have roots in the Roman period, as traces of Roman occupation can be found in its area, and Pinho Leal explains its toponymic origin as a derivation of Auréola or Aurea Ora (gold mining area).
The Parish Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, located outside the village in the Herdade das Torres estate, formerly called Herdade das Represas, already existed in 1270. Nothing remains of the medieval temple, as it was completely rebuilt in the 16th century.
The town of Oriola, as the municipal seat, had a courthouse, facilities now occupied by the Parish Council, and a communal granary.
This village also boasts the Chapel of St. Lawrence, located on the street of the same name.
Since August 2025, it has also had a river beach on the banks of the Albergaria dos Fusos reservoir.
Translated by Google •
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