Castro Verde

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Castro Verde is situated in the heart of baixo Alentejo, in a territory known as the Campo Branco ("white field"), among the Alentejo plains which touch the serra do Caldeirão. The county is bounded by the municipalities of Beja, Aljustrel, Almodôvar, Mértola and Ourique. Significant part of the territory is integrated in the Rede Natura 2000, represented by a Zona de Proteção Especial (ZPE) (Special Protection area) for the endangered bird species, such as the great bustard and the lesser kestrel. The history of Castro Verde is very old, since it is for about 3000 years that the local landscape is marked by the presence of human communities, which must have had on mining and in shepherding their main activities. Pastoralism is currently still its fundamental activity. The region of Castro Verde is intrinsically linked to the process of Portugal's foundation and founder. The legendary battle of Ourique, in which Afonso I "defeats five Moorish kings", has S. Pedro das Cabeças site, located about four miles from Castro Verde, as its backdrop. The October fair, held since 1620, is considered one of the most important fairs in the south of Portugal. It works like a real business center, attracting thousands of visitors every year. Castro Verde is a municipality of a deeply rural character and, for this reason, the sacred has an immemorial cult, represented by the various Shrines, Chapels, Churches and small temples, which are found throughout the area.

What to do in Castro Verde

Museu da Lucerna

Castro Verde

Museum opened in 2004 where highlights a unique collection of lamps of the Roman period (1st to 3rd century), discovered in 1994 in the town of Santa Bárbara of patterns. These lighting fixtures, which used olive oil as fuel, present decorations of various reasons.

Museu da Ruralidade

Castro Verde

Working from 2011, the Museum has three exhibition areas Rurality: a temporary exhibition area (where are objects representative of patents rurally in the region), a temporary exhibition area (occupied by a blacksmith's forge, the spoils of the last abegão of Castro Verde and some miniature agricultural implements) and the core of orality, where it is possible to consult various documentation …

Igreja Matriz de Castro Verde / Basílica Real de Castro Verde

Castro Verde

This church has one nave, a main chapel and two bell towers. On the inside it displays glazed tiles panels from the 17th century regarding Ourique´s Battle. The original temple was constructed under the orders of D. Sebastião in 1573. Between the end of the 17th century and 1735 it was promoted the construction of D. João V church.

Centro de Educação Ambiental de Vale Gonçalinho

Castro Verde

This educational centre aims to divulge the birds in the parish. Hence, it orhanizes several activities and environmental walks. Through reservations, one may watch birds, do bicycle rides or even watch the scientists at work.

Moinho de Vento

Castro Verde

Tower Mill recovered in 2003, not knowing for certain the date of its erection. Disabled since the 30 years of the 20th century, served as dwelling to be recovered by the City Council. Of the original building only the tower …

Rua Dom Afonso Henriques

Castro Verde

The Rua Dom Afonso Henriques is one of the most emblematic streets in the municipality of Castro Verde, extending from the Republic square off Victor Pleasures, passing through the Warrior off the camera. It is around this street, in Portuguese …

Local Histórico da Batalha de Ourique

Castro Verde

Despite the location of the famous battle of Ourique not be consensual between all historians, many point to the "Campo de Ourique" as likely the battle between Christians and Moors. The battle, which took place in 1139, resulted in the …

Núcleo Urbano de Castro Verde

Castro Verde

The Tourism Office organizes a tour that crosses the main interesting spots at Castro Verde. Through resrvations, one may visit the Royal Basilique, the Lucerna Museum and the local craftswork, among others.

Igreja da Misericórdia de Castro Verde

Castro Verde

Church built in the first half of the 16th century, the present characteristics of Manueline architecture and Mannerist. In the second half of the 18th century suffered a profound remodeling when the altarpiece was made and decorated the chancel, the …

Parque da Liberdade

Castro Verde

Large and pleasant green space with an outdoor Amphitheatre and several garden benches.

Sítio Arqueológico de São Pedro das Cabeças

Castro Verde

Archaeological remains dating back to the iron age in the 2nd, 5th and 3rd century BC the chronological period is marked since the Chalcolithic to Romanity. Also says it was in São Pedro das Cabeças that have occurred the battle …

Ermida de São Pedro das Cabeças

Castro Verde

Mannerist monument that marks the spot where will have occurred the battle of Ourique, July 25, 1139. Is a shrine of pilgrimage, with predominance of the 1500s typology, which is reflected in the construction of small churches just one ship. …

Igreja das Chagas do Salvador / Igreja de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios

Castro Verde

Church built on top of another Church, whose Foundation is attributed to lendariamente Dom Afonso Henriques. In the 18th century, the façade is reconstructed, showing an interesting Baroque animation. Inside, a major altarpiece in stucco marbled with throne in gilt …

Miradouro da Ermida de Aracelis

Castro Verde

Space located at about 294 meters high, where you can admire the alentejan Plains. In winter, you can see the bird Bustard and the little Bustard.

Núcleo Etnográfico do Monte das Oliveiras

Castro Verde

It is an agricultural operation that shows the experience in a typical Alentejo. Integrates a small ethnographic core consisting of objects and memories of the owners. To visit this site, which also stands out for House nearby the largest White …

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Where to eat in Castro Verde

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Where to sleep in Castro Verde

Casa dos Castelejos
Casa dos Castelejos

A Casa dos Castelejos é a guesthouse de charme da família Brito Paes, um espaço familiar e acolhedor que convida a uns dias de sossego entre amigos ou em famíl…

Hotel A Esteva
Hotel A Esteva

3 star

Hotel located in the heart of the white field, the most important cereal steppe zone of Portugal. With minimalist lines and modern and functional decoration, t…

Hotel Vila Verde
Hotel Vila Verde

3 star

Hotel unit carefully decorated, equipped and furnished, which stands out for the simplicity and friendliness of service. Offers 21 rooms, one of them prepared …

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Near Castro Verde

Almodôvar

Almodôvar

The municipality of Almodôvar is located in the Baixo Alentejo, Beja district, between the Serra do Caldeirão and the Alentejo lowland. The Igre…

Alvito

Alvito

Alvito and Vila Nova da Baronia are the two parishes that make up the Alvito municipality, one of the smallest in Baixo Alentejo. Of a markedly rural…

Ourique

Ourique

Ourique has benefited from a privileged location over the centuries. Confined to the north with the municipality of Aljustrel and to the south with S…

Vidigueira

Vidigueira

The Vidigueira municipality is located between Beja and Évora and is the fourth smallest in Baixo Alentejo. In addition to an interesting architectur…