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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In 1948, Monsanto was proclaimed the “most Portuguese” village and is claimed to be Portugal's most ancient settlement. Perched beneath its castle atop the hill that dominates the surrounding plains, the village houses morph into the landscape, huddled between giant granite outcrops. The walls and roofs of Monsanto's buildings are formed from giant grey boulders, and everywhere, flowers trail from window ledges, while vines and ivy cling to the walls. The streets, no wider than a laden mule, have been hewed from the mountain strata.
Colourful faceless rag dolls called "marafonas" were once used by the local people as fertility idols and now adorn most shops as souvenirs. Monsanto does well by visitors seeking the “real” Portugal. Tourism supplies the funds to maintain and restore this unique destination.

At an elevation of 700m, the town is overlooked by its castle. The walk up to its ramparts traverses past old churches, chapels, crosses, crumbling mansions and restored fountains. There has been a settlement in this location since the Paleolithic. Successive peoples have come and gone, including the Romans, Visigoths, and Arabs, who have all left their mark.

The town fell into Christian hands in the 12th Century with the arrival of Afonso Henriques (Portugal's first King). The knight's templar took over stewardship of Monsanto shortly after and much of the castle dates from this period. The panoramic views from the castle walls are breathtaking and well worth the stroll through town.

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Penha Garcia is a picturesque village known for its ancient fossils, medieval charm, and breathtaking scenery. Situated near the Spanish border in the Idanha-a-Nova municipality, this historic village offers a perfect blend of nature, history, and tranquillity. One of Penha Garcia’s highlights is the Fossil Route, a scenic trail along the Ponsul River that reveals 480-million-year-old marine fossils embedded in the rocks. Along the way, visitors can admire the watermills, once essential to local life, and swim in the stunning river beach beneath towering cliffs.

At the top of the village, the Penha Garcia Castle, built by the Templars, offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. The village’s narrow, cobbled streets lead to charming whitewashed houses, traditional schist cottages, and small chapels that reflect the region’s rich heritage.

Located 15km south of Monsanto, Idanha-a-Velha feels somewhat isolated and forgotten by modern life. During the first century BC Idanha-a-Velha was an important Roman city (Igaeditânia) and their successors, the Visigoths, continued developing the town. The famous Visigothic ruler Wamba (672–680 AD) is rumoured to have been born here. Vestiges of Roman remain, Idanha-a-Velha is still partially surrounded by a massive Roman wall and a Roman bridge is still used not far away. Many of the town's buildings are built using recycled Roman stones.

The town's decommissioned cathedral and the bishop’s palace next door were constructed on Roman foundations. Here too is a restored olive oil press or Lagar de Varas, with an ingenious pressing system employing two huge tree trunks, with roots intact. There’s no public transport to the village, although there is a footpath from Monsanto (7km).

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Idanha-a-Nova is a charming town rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Known for its medieval roots, traditional architecture, and stunning landscapes, it offers visitors a peaceful yet enriching experience in central Portugal. The town’s historic centre features cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses, and centuries-old churches, including the Igreja Matriz de Idanha-a-Nova, a beautiful 16th-century church with Renaissance influences. The remnants of the Castelo de Idanha-a-Nova offer panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, providing a glimpse into the region’s medieval past.

Idanha-a-Nova is also a UNESCO Creative City of Music, renowned for preserving traditional Portuguese sounds. It hosts several cultural events, including the world-famous Boom Festival, which brings together music, arts, and sustainability on the scenic shores of the Marechal Carmona Reservoir.

Surrounded by rolling hills, olive groves, and the breathtaking landscapes of the Tejo Internacional Natural Park, Idanha-a-Nova is perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and outdoor adventures. With its welcoming atmosphere and deep cultural heritage, it’s an ideal destination for travellers looking to experience authentic Portugal beyond the usual tourist hotspots.

The picturesque village of Álvaro is known for its traditional charm and breathtaking natural surroundings. Perched on a hillside overlooking the Zêzere River, this small yet captivating village awaits discovery from those seeking tranquillity and authentic Portuguese heritage. Álvaro is part of the Schist Villages (Aldeias do Xisto) network, celebrated for its rustic stone houses, narrow streets, and historical character.

The village’s most iconic landmark is the Igreja Matriz de Álvaro, a beautiful church that showcases a blend of architectural styles and offers panoramic views of the surrounding valley.

The Zêzere River plays a central role in Álvaro’s charm, providing opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and peaceful riverside walks. Nature lovers can also explore the village's forested hills and hiking trails, offering breathtaking viewpoints and serene escapes.

Vila Velha de Ródão is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Strategically located on the Tejo (Tagus) River, it played a crucial role in medieval times, serving as a Christian stronghold during the Reconquista. The imposing Castle of Ródão, perched atop the Gates of Ródão, was a vital defence point, protecting the river's navigation routes and marking the boundary between Christian and Muslim territories. The legendary Castle of Rhum and the region’s Templar heritage further reinforce its historical significance.

For centuries, Ródão thrived as a trading hub, with boats transporting goods between the interior and the coast. Merchants and shepherds relied on this bustling river port, where boats were guided upstream with the help of human and animal strength. However, the construction of the Beira Baixa railway reduced the river’s economic prominence.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, Vila Velha de Ródão witnessed key military conflicts, including battles during the Seven Years’ War and the French Invasions. Today, remnants of these fortifications can still be seen in the Serra das Talhadas, offering a glimpse into Portugal’s military history.

The arrival of the metal bridge and railway spurred economic growth, while the introduction of olive cultivation transformed the landscape and local economy. Olive oil remains a regional speciality, alongside cheeses, honey, ham, wine, and traditional pastries. Visitors to Vila Velha de Ródão enjoy visiting the town’s archaeological sites, museums, and cultural attractions.

Vila Velha de Ródão is a haven for nature lovers, with rock art sites, scenic trails, and stunning river landscapes. A boat cruise along the Tejo offers breathtaking views of the Gates of Ródão, where the contrast between blue waters and lush greenery is mesmerising..