Porto is blessed with river and sea, as well as a breathtaking landscape that looks great in any photograph. However, around here, we also like to write about travel and getaways. That’s why this time we want to take you to (re)discover the Historical Villages of Portugal.
In all, there are 12 villages that make up this network, which stand out as one of the wonders of the countryside near the center of Portugal. The history, the architecture, the friendliness of the local people and the surrounding natural spectacle make this a special route. A destination worth 12, allows you to travel back to medieval times.
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Discovering Portugal’s Historic Villages
The Historical Villages of Portugal network was created in 1991 with the aim of restoring and promoting historical sites in the Beira region. Some are county seats, others bear the marks of ancient charters.
However, each of these sites has unique characteristics, which make each village a new discovery .
Most of these places are between two and three hours by car from Porto, but they are an excellent option for a getaway or a mini-vacation. Shall we hit the road?
Almeida
This is literally the star of Beira Interior. It is a hexagonal square fort with six bastions and the same number of revelins. Top view of the fortress (19th century) XVII/XVIII) seems to take on a star shape.
The seat of the municipality with the same name, and belonging to the district of Guarda, visiting Almeida is a delight for lovers of Portuguese history, with particular emphasis on its military importance. Due to its strategic location, about 9 km from the border with Spain, Almeida has always been an important point of defense for the territory.
Within the walls of Almeida, it’s worth strolling through its streets. One of the main tourist attractions, apart from the fortress that surrounds the site, is the Military Historical Museum. In addition, the Termas de Almeida – Fonte Santa are another attraction. In the summer, the “Cerco d’Almeida” historical re-enactment usually attracts many visitors to this destination.
Belmonte
Located about two and a half hours by car from Porto, Belmonte is the destination of this historical network, which has one of the greatest links to Jewish culture. In the past, the birthplace of Pedro Álvares Cabral, who discovered the sea route to Brazil, was an important inland settlement.
Among the main points of interest in this town is the castle where the famous navigator lived. However, this is far from the only tourist attraction. As you stroll through the streets of Belmonte, take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of its prominent Jewish community. You can visit the Bet Eliahu Synagogue or the Jewish Museum .
Outside the town center, we strongly recommend a visit to the enigmatic Centum Cellas monument (a two-storey tower of presumed Roman origin), which has given rise to various theories.
Mendo Castle
Castelo Mendo’s position near the border justifies its military vocation of defending and consolidating national territory. Despite its medieval importance, its origins are said to be even more ancient. The Romans built their infrastructure there, on top of a Neolithic hill fort.
Castelo Mendo was the target of barbarian and Muslim invasions, which left the land in ruins. However, during his reign in 1186, King Sancho I granted it a charter and ordered the castle to be rebuilt. King Dinis also took an interest in Castelo Mendo and granted it a Carta de Feira, probably one of the first in Portugal.
During medieval times and the French invasions, Castelo Mendo maintained its prominent role. However, the passing of the years has not been forgiving and the town is no longer the seat of the municipality, as it once was. However, it has never lost its special character, which makes it a must-see destination.
New Castle
The Historical Village of Castelo Novo belongs to the municipality of Fundão and stands out for its medieval aesthetics, but also for its natural landscape. After all, this village is located in the spectacular amphitheater of the Serra da Gardunha.
If you like the history of the mythical Knights Templar, then you’ll be pleased to know that Castelo Novo was part of the territories of this Order, later called the Order of Christ. However, in addition to the medieval period, there are strong traces of Manueline influence in this land.
Castelo Novo is one of the traveler’s most moving memories. Maybe one day I’ll come back, maybe I’ll never come back, maybe I’ll even avoid coming back, just because there are experiences that can’t be repeated,” wrote Nobel laureate José Saramago.
Castelo Rodrigo
With its orange medieval walls, Castelo Rodrigo is another of Portugal’s 12 Historic Villages. It currently belongs to the municipality of Figueira de Castelo de Rodrigo. But in the past, it was also the seat of a municipality.
The village of Castelo Rodrigo definitively became part of Portuguese territory in 1297, thanks to the Treaty of Alcanizes. However, before this agreement, it was dependent on the Kingdom of León. The town also had an Arab presence.
Some of its points of interest are, for example: the old walls; the ruins of Cristóvão Moura’s palace; the 16th century pillory, among others. However, it should also be noted that there are traces from various periods around here, including some that prove the presence of a community of New Christians.
Piódão
Without castles or medieval walls, the splendor of Piódão, in the municipality of Arganil, is different. Located in the heart of the Serra do Açor, here the stunning natural landscapes occupy the throne.
The complementary blue of the doors and the schist of the house façades make this a real postcard. In fact, Piodão is a destination known for its schist buildings. But that’s not all. Also noteworthy is its river beach, where its clear waters make you want to dive in.
If you have time, you can take the opportunity to visit Foz d’Égua, which is about 5 km from this Historical Village.
Idanha-a-Velha
Several pieces have survived to this day from the famous ancient Roman city of Civitas Aegitidanorum. That’s why Idanha-a-Velha is now a must-see not only for tourists, but also for archaeologists.
A quick stroll through this village in the municipality of Idanha-a-Nova is enough to identify the signs of its past. Its Roman past bears direct witness to the remains of the public baths, the bridge over the river Pônsul and parts of a temple, among others.
Linhares da Beira
By now, you’re probably thinking about booking your next getaway, right? But don’t worry, there are still more Historic Villages in Portugal to discover, and each one is truly a unique experience.
Now it’s time to go to Linhares da Beira, a town in the municipality of Celorico da Beira. This is a place of legends, whose history dates back to an ancient past. It is believed to have been founded even before the Roman occupation.
Traces of the Roman era still remain today, particularly the Roman road. Other points of interest are: Linhares Castle; the pillory; and the Beira Manor House, among others.
Marialva
The Historical Village of Marialva is one of our favorites, but also one of the most beautiful in Portugal. Visiting it between February and March is synonymous with encountering the pure splendor of almond trees in bloom.
That’s what happened to us. As soon as we got there, we felt completely overwhelmed by the beauty of the flowery scenery, with the houses and the castle behind. Located in the municipality of Mêda, Marialva is a land of legends that transports us to the past, as if it were a time machine.
Marialva was once the capital of the Aravos, a Lusitanian people. However, it was then conquered by the Romans, followed by the Arabs and later reconquered by King Ferdinand the Great in 1063. So it’s not surprising that Marialva also has a castle at its highest point.
Walking around Marialva means encountering three distinct environments, the most overwhelming of which is the so-called ‘Citadel’, with its dominant medieval aura. That’s why visiting Marialva is synonymous with feeling nostalgic well before you leave, such is the intense desire to return.
Monsanto
Considered the ‘most Portuguese village in Portugal’, Monsanto has recently been in the ‘mouths of the world’. Why? At the end of 2021, several reports came out about the recording of the “Game of Thrones” prequel, which is called “House of the Dragon” and should be released later this year.
However, Monsanto has long deserved to be in the spotlight. Even without dragons, this Historical Village of Portugal is a must-see. This settlement shows signs of human presence since the Paleolithic period. But Visigoths and Arabs also passed through here.
In addition, archaeological remains show an ancient Lusitanian settlement and Roman occupation. As well as its incredible stone houses, Monsanto is also known for its castle, built on top of a hill. Like other medieval places, the mythical Knights Templar were here. A place to see and see again.
Sortelha
Located in the municipality of Sabugal, in the district of Guarda, Sortelha is probably one of Portugal’s most beautiful historic villages. This place has a long past, but even today the most important stages of its history are still remembered.
Around 800 years old, Sortelha is full of rural granite houses. However, the jewels in its crown are the castle and the wall that surrounds the village. Erected on a rocky hill at over 700 meters, from the top of the castle you can see the surrounding mountains in an enchanting landscape worthy of kings and queens.
Strolling through the streets of Sortelha, especially on a day when tourism isn’t busy, is synonymous with soaking up the tranquillity of Beira. It’s a destination that also serves to reconnect and appreciate the simple things in life. After all, time passes slowly here.
Trancoso
Several pages of Portuguese history have been written here. For example, did you know that King Dinis celebrated his wedding with the Holy Queen, Isabel of Aragon, in Trancoso?
In fact, this Historical Village was much loved by the first monarchs. Part of this legacy has not been lost in the mists of memory. From the reign of King Afonso III, for example, Trancoso also became a mercantile center, thanks to the holding of a free fair. This market has survived to the present day in the form of the Feira de São Bartolomeu.
In addition to its historical importance, strolling through the streets and alleys of Trancoso is synonymous with contemplating its medieval and Jewish past. The castle is one of the best preserved in the Beira region and admission is free. So you have no reason to miss this visit.
In addition, it is practically obligatory to enter the Isaac Cardoso Jewish Culture Interpretation Center which, in addition to its architectural importance, is a tribute to the ancient Jewish community.
