Historic Villages

It is true that to get to some of these Historic Villages, the roads are winding, with twists and turns, but they make this trip even more true.

The twelve Historic Villages are found in the Centre of Portugal, full of stories and achievements, they are all different, all charming, each in its own way, with its traditions and charms. They seem to have been built stone on stone, with care, a lot of precision and good taste.

As an example, we will mention two of them:

It was after the Restoration of Independence that Almeida decided to build a stronghold, with a hexagonal plan, made up of six bulwarks which, seen from above, looks like a star. A real star for the many charms of its landscape, for its history, for the unforgettable flavours and aromas and for the mysteries that it unveils at each visit.

This imposing fortified village belonging to the municipality of Guarda, resists time between the plains and depths of the Côa Valley, 9km from the border with Spain. Its toponymic origin is Arabic. Agricultural production was rich and supplied the troops with wheat, potatoes, vegetable gardens, wine, fruits such as figs and even watermelon and melon. In the river, they fished.

Nowadays, a visit to the historic centre of Almeida delights those interested in the History of Portugal and its Military History. In addition to climbingup the squares, the bulwarks and ramparts, from where you can admire the entire territory from 760m above sea level and take impressive photographs,  a visit to the Military Historical Museum is more than enough to justify the hours spent within the walls.

Don't miss the “Cerco de Almeida” Historical Recreation, which usually takes place on the last weekend of August. Take carriage or horse rides at Picadeiro d’El Rey. Escape the stress of everyday life by recharging your energy at Termas de Almeida – Fonte Santa.

Afterwards, savour traditional dishes such as roast kid and lamb, game dishes, burzigada, garlic bread soup and Meruges salad.

Located in Cova da Beira, Belmonte is the birthplace of Pedro Álvares Cabral. Crowned by its towering castle, it was a place of refuge for a Jewish community that settled here, whose legacy is still visible today through its heritage, which includes a synagogue, a Jewish quarter and a Jewish Museum. Through the streets of Belmonte and on the facades of its houses, discover the history of the last secret Sephardic Jews and be enchanted by the place that is home to the last Crypto-Jewish community on the Iberian Peninsula.

Go up to the historic centre of Vila de Belmonte, overlooking Serra da Estrela, the Zêzere River and Cova da Beira, where you will be welcomed by its 15th-century Castle. From it, what remains is the Torre de Menagem and a square that allows you to go down the Roman road towards the old Jewish quarter. It is the perfect starting point to discover this Historic Village, so rich of external influences.

In front of the Castle, on the other side of the square, enjoy the Church of Santiago which marks the passage of one of the Portuguese roads to Compostela, also known for housing the Panteão dos Cabrais, a family whose history is closely linked to Belmonte. From here you can follow the Museum Route, which will take you to many must-see places. They evoke the memory of the Sephardic community that is intertwined with the history of Belmonte and the culture of the region, such as the Jewish Museum and the Bet Eliahu Synagogue.

In Belmonte you can also taste the local flavours in Belmonte, from honey to chestnuts, liqueurs, biscuits, craft beers and wines produced here. You can also buy kosher products here – local products made according to Jewish rules.