Project Description

Complete editorial concept, cover design and layout for the book Almas da Pedra — The History of Alcains: From its Origins to its First Elevation to Town Status. Volume I by Rúben Martins.

How many stories lie hidden in the stones, the paths and the memories of a land?

This book takes the reader on a journey through the deep-rooted history of the Alcains community, from the earliest traces of human settlement to the establishment of the Alcains manor and village in the 18th century.

Drawing on archaeological sources, royal documents, inspection reports by the Order of Christ, court records and other unpublished or little-known accounts, this work traces the presence of the various peoples who inhabited the region, the role of the Alcains Commandery, the development of agriculture, trade and manufacturing, religious practices, military conflicts and the community’s persistent assertion of its identity in relation to Castelo Branco.

Among the events and figures now brought to light, Bartolomeu de Sousa Mexia stands out, as his involvement was decisive in Alcains’ first elevation to town status in 1769.

Rather than merely compiling dates, names and events, this book seeks to give a voice to the successive generations of men and women who tilled the fields, travelled the roads, erected the buildings, worked in the workshops, prayed in the churches, faced wars and forged the identity of Alcains.

They are the true souls of the stone.