The foundation of the Alter Stud Farm in 1748, in Alter do Chão, in the Coutada do Arneiro, property of the House of Bragança, is due to King João V.
Although designed as part of this monarch’s policy of opulence and strengthening our country’s prestige, it is to King José I that we owe the effective consecration of this stud farm as a stud farm, as it was during his reign that the conditions that made it internationally recognised were met.
The first mare herds from Spain were received here and, little by little, the Alter Real lineage of horses de-veloped.
Years later, and despite the transfer of Royal Picaria (equestrian academy of the Portuguese Court) to Lis-bon during the reign of Queen Maria I, the uniqueness of this bloodline never lost its splendour. It is consid-ered the oldest stud farm in the world operating uninterruptedly in the same place, overcoming historical, genetic, social and economic adversities, with a unique longevity.
Since 2020, and following the requalification of the site, the Vila Galé Collection Alter Real hotel has also been established here. Home to the Lusitano purebred horse, this unit is dedicated to the equestrian theme, inspired by the site’s history.