BEIRA BAIXA

Penamacor, like so many other towns in the area, has a medieval castle on its highest elevation. From its vantage point there are commanding views over the Serra da Malcata and beyond into Spain. The views are well worth the climb from the new town. Outside the walls of the castle are the remains of a medieval village. Over recent years this area has enjoyed extensive restoration. The fortifications date back to the late 12th century from the reign of Dom Sancho I. The castle was first garrisoned by the Knights Templar and headed by Dom Gualdim Pais, the Master of the Order. Little remains of the original castle, but its 16th-century keep (Torre de Vigia) still stands sentinel in the centre of the site. Also, during the 16th-century extra walls were erected along with the addition of six towers. The original town hall (Casa de Càmara) was also built into the access gate of the ramparts. There is an interesting museum and an archaeological exhibition within the keep outlining the history of the area, including an iron age castro that once stood there.

The Jardim da República (Garden of the Republic), downhill from the castle, is a pleasant shaded area with a viewing terrace boasting incredible views over the plains below. The Serra da Malcata Nature Reserve Visitor Centre is located in Penamacor. Here you can gather all the information required to hike and visit the nature reserve.
Monday – Friday: 09h00 - 12h30/14h00 – 17h30
60 Rua António Ribeiro Sanches, Penamacor, Portugal. | 40° 10' 03.9" N | 07° 10' 12.0" W
+351 277 394 467

CONVENTO DE SANTO ANTÓNIO

The convent of St. Anthony was founded in 1571 by the order of the St. Francis. When the religious orders were dissolved in 1834 and their assets nationalised, the building became the Penamacor Hospital until 1905. The convent has an austere façade hides a decorative interior of guilted woodcarvings and Baroque painted ceilings. The choir chairs boast interesting oriental paintings, probably inspired by the evangelising role of the Franciscans in the Far East.

The capital of the Beira Baixa region has an atmosphere of affluence and activity in contrast with many of the nearby villages. For the most Castelo Branco is a working town but still has much to offer visitors. The 16th-century formerctown hall and several attractive mansions have survived a turbulent history. Quaint narrow cobbled streets and stepped side alleys lead up to the castle, where amazing views await. The beautiful Jardim do Paço Episcopal gardens are a draw for tourists. The old bishop’s palace itself now houses the Museu Tavares Proença Júnior.

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The region of Proença-a-Nova consists mainly of large forested areas and agriculture, chiefly olive groves and cherry trees that blossom in the spring, covering huge areas with a white shroud in a stunning spectacle. The town itself offers little interest for tourists other than accommodation, somewhere to enjoy the great local rustic cuisine and a base to travel out from.

The land hereabouts has been cultivated for millennia. Neolithic monuments dot the landscape, notably the Alvito Valley Dolmen. This burial chamber measures thirty-five metres in diameter. The burial chamber of Anta do Cão do Ribeiro is thought to be five thousand years old. The Romans also occupied the area and left their mark. The ancient bridge spanning the River Pracana in São Pedro do Esteval has been standing since the first century BC. Its six arches are of varying widths with the largest in the centre.

Within the district, there are villages that maintain their original traditional features such as Figueira. The buildings are made from shist and on a walk through the narrow cobbled streets, you'll encounter a communal oven that fills the village with the aroma of freshly baked bread.

Another characteristic Beira village is Oliveiras, located only nine kilometres from Proença-a-Nova. The houses are typically built from shist separated by narrow alleys. The friendliness and hospitality of the locals are legendary.

The area is enjoyed by walkers and many hiking routes of differing lengths and difficulty dot the land. Escapes from the afternoon sun can be found at the riverside beaches of Aldeia Ruiva, Fróia and Malhadal.