The hot summer days are coming to an end, but even that doesn’t take away our desire to pack our bags for a weekend getaway. In Portugal, there is no shortage of ideal destinations to set off on an adventure and make the most of the landscape, history, gastronomy or even the last rays of sunshine. This time, our suggestions invite you to visit the lands of queens and kings, hidden between walls and marked by several sword battles that are still being recreated today.
Take a look at our suggestions and visit one of Portugal’s most iconic medieval regions, prepare your itinerary and book your accommodation in Rentalia.
Marvão
The historic town of Marvão is in the Alto Alentejo, more precisely in the district of Portalegre. Surrounded by walls that rise to 860 metres, this is a place of easy charm. In the streets of this town you’ll find several Gothic and Manueline remains of its buildings and an incredible view of the walls that lead up to the castle.
A climb up the keep is certainly worth it for the panoramic view over the Serra de São Mamede Natural Park. As well as the castle, you shouldn’t miss a visit to the Marvão Museum and the Roman Ruins of Ammaia, and if the weather is sunny and inviting, take a break for a swim at the Marvão River Beach.
Lindoso
Located in the Peneda Gerês National Park, more precisely in the municipality of Ponte da Barca, we find the village of Lindoso. The countryside is made up of the largest set of granaries on the Iberian Peninsula, a reminder of the people’s community tradition, and the imposing castle.
You can also walk along several pedestrianised trails with breathtaking views and discover other buildings such as the parish church and the old washhouses.
Marialva
The next stop takes us to one of Portugal’s 12 Historic Villages. Just a few minutes from the city of Mêda we find a village that seems to date back to the 6th century BC. It consists of three distinct centres: the citadel of the castle, the ravine that extends the town beyond the walls and the devesa that stretches down to the Marialva stream on the site of an ancient Roman city.
Visiting the citadel inside the castle, now depopulated, is like stepping into a real time machine into historic settings with very well preserved streets and buildings. You can still see the square with the pillory, the Magistrates’ House and even the old Town Hall. The Church of St James and the Chapel of Senhor dos Passos are also must-sees.
Linhares da Beira
Linhares da Beira is a historic village that dates back to the 12th century and received its charter at the hands of D. Afonso Henriques. Only later, during the reign of King Dinis, was its castle built, which is the main attraction of this village in the municipality of Celorico da Beira.
This village is a veritable open-air museum where every nook and cranny tells a little of its history and importance. Its diverse history makes walking through the streets of the village a real journey back in time.
What’s more, the view from the castle at an altitude of 820 metres in the so-called Mondego Valley is a truly unforgettable experience.
Source: Idealista/news