Castelo Branco

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District capital, Castelo Branco is one of the largest municipalities in Portugal and the one with the biggest area in the entire Centro Region. Due to its central location, proximity to the Spanish border and polytechnic education, it has become increasingly important in the inland of the country. The county is crossed by the A23 road, which connects Torres Novas to Guarda, and by the IC8, which makes the connection to Coimbra easier, and is also served by the train through the Beira Baixa Line. Castelo Branco has undergone several requalification interventions, and is currently a modern and pleasant city, which has the beautiful Jardim do Paço as its main business card. The inhabitants of Castelo Branco are known as "Albicastrenses" and in terms of gastronomy and local products, cheeses, sausages, honey and olive oil stand out.

What to do in Castelo Branco

Igreja de São Miguel / Igreja Matriz de Castelo Branco / Sé Catedral

Castelo Branco

The Church of São Miguel, which was elevated to the rank of Cathedral in 1956, is located in an area where, since 1213, there are traces of a temple, which would have belonged to the Templars. It was rebuilt in the Renaissance style in the 17th century, although elements from the various construction stages are visible, such as the 16th-century …

Jardim do Paço

Castelo Branco

Classified as a national monument, it is one of the ex-libris of the city and one of the most original examples of the Baroque style in Portugal, having been built at the behest of D. João de Mendonça, Bishop of Guarda, around 1720. It features five lakes on the main slope, where the water features stand out, while the intermediate …

Parque da Cidade

Castelo Branco

It had profound refurbishment works under the Polis programme, and it is located right in front of Jardim do Paço and is another popular leisure spot. As part of this rworks, the space, which was once a farm with gardens, has given place to a very pleasant park with a large green area and in which water takes on a …

Museu Cargaleiro

Castelo Branco

Located in the historic area of Castelo Branco, this museum dedicated to the work and life of the artist Manuel Cargaleiro includes two buildings that complement each other. One is Solar dos Cavaleiros, an 18th-century palace, and the other is a contemporary building, inaugurated in 2005. Visitors can appreciate a remarkable set of works part of the Manuel Cargaleiro Foundation …

Castelo de Castelo Branco

Castelo Branco

Much sought after by tourists, what remains of the Albicastrense Castle rises in an area overlooking the city. It was built by the Templars in the Middle Ages, this despite the traces of human presence in that area in pre- and proto-history, having been surrounded by a line of walls and towers. In the precinct of the fortress, in the …

Piscina Praia de Castelo Branco

Castelo Branco

In a city that usually faces very hot and dry summers, the Piscina Praia, and its four thousand square meters of water, quickly became a reference leisure space in the region. In the warmer months, vacationers can enjoy hydrogymnastics, aqua zumba and recreational and educational activities for children, in addition to being able to relax in the large grassy area. …

Miradouro de São Gens

Castelo Branco

The views it offers over the historic area of Castelo Branco and the region greatly reward the effort required to reach it. It is located close to the Castle and opened in 1941, built to “hide” the water supply tanks …

Torre do Relógio de Castelo Branco

Castelo Branco

In the heart of the historic area, stands the imposing Torre do Relógio, unavoidable in the landscape of Castelo Branco, as it is visible from the most diverse locations. Its creation is related to the expansion process of the city …

Jardim da Devesa

Castelo Branco

Small garden located in the center of the city, in front of the Town Hall. There is a small café with a pleasant covered terrace and a few benches where you can rest while watching the hustle and bustle of …

Centro de Cultura Contemporânea de Castelo Branco

Castelo Branco

This project by the Catalan architect Josep Lluis Mateo stands out in the city center landscape for its innovative architecture. It is a hollow building, clad in metal and wood, with four floors. In addition to the exhibition spaces, it …

Cruzeiro de São João

Castelo Branco

It is classified as a National Monument and occupies a prominent place in the square with the same name. It is a fine example of Manueline religious architecture, rich in details, having been built in the 16th century. Carved in …

Igreja de Nossa Senhora de Mércoles

Castelo Branco

Located in a hermitage near Castelo Branco, this late-Gothic church was built by friars of the Order of the Temple. The entrance portal and the two lateral ones are ogival, while the interior features different tiles, of Hispano-Arabic origin, and …

Estação Arqueológica do Monte de São Martinho

Castelo Branco

In the vicinity of Castelo Branco, in a high place of great natural beauty, stands a hill of quartzite formation, with strong endogenous vegetation and from where you can contemplate beautiful panoramic views over the Tagus Valley and the city. …

Museu Francisco Tavares Proença Júnior

Castelo Branco

Situated in the former Episcopal Palace since 1971, it was created in 1910 in the Convent of the Capuchos, by the archaeologist and personality of several interests in science and the arts for whom it bears the name. The original …

Antigos Paços do Concelho e Cadeia de Castelo Branco - Domus Municipalis - Centro de Interpretação do Bordado

Castelo Branco

Located in Praça Velha, this 16th-century Manueline-style building stands out for its architecture and the elements that characterize it. On the main façade, the balcony, the Coat of Arms of Portugal, the Coat of Arms of D. Manuel, the Armillary …

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Where to eat in Castelo Branco

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Where to sleep in Castelo Branco

Quinta dos Carvalhos
Quinta dos Carvalhos

Às portas de Castelo Branco, esta quinta faz um convite permanente para uma visita em família. Os animais são presença permanente e integram os trabalhos diári…

Xisto Sentido
Xisto Sentido

Numa aldeia que quase parece abandonada, de nome Martim Branco, vai encontrar um conjunto de casas de xisto (desde €45), recuperadas com todos os cuidados, e q…

Meliá Castelo Branco
Meliá Castelo Branco

4 star

Hotel moderno, de 4 estrelas, situado no alto de uma colina, com vista privilegiada para a cidade. Oferece 103 quartos e 1 suite. A decoração é simples e muito…

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Near Castelo Branco

Vila de Rei

Vila de Rei

Vila de Rei is a small village belonging to the district of Castelo Branco and three parishes belong to it. It is closely linked to the geodesic cent…

Vila Velha de Ródão

Vila Velha de Ródão

Vila Velha de Ródão lies in the South of the District of Castelo Branco, between the Tagus River and the Ocresa River, its tributary, the Serra do Pe…

Covilhã

Covilhã

Covilhã, which belongs to Castelo Branco district and is composed of 31 parishes, is hidden amid mountains and the slopes of Serra da Estrela. Althou…

Oleiros

Oleiros

Oleiros is part of the Central region and covers the Alvelos, Muradal and Lontreira mountains, in addition to bordering the Zêzere river. As part of …