Castelo Branco (Altitude: 375m/1230ft), in central Portugal near the Spanish frontier, is the former capital of the old province of Beira Baixa and now chief town of the district which bears its name. It has been celebrated since the 17th C. for the brightly colored embroidered bedspreads known as colchas. Other local products much esteemed in
Portugal are goat's milk cheese and olive oil.
History
Lying so near the Spanish frontier, the town was of great military and strategic importance. Of the medieval Templar castle, the "castelo branco" or white castle, probably built in the reign of King Dinis, only scanty remains survive. In spite of its defensive walls Castelo Branco sufferred throughout its history from enemy assaults and raids, most recently in 1807, when Napoleon's troops did much damage.
Townscape
Apart from the lovely Jardim Episcopal Castelo Branco has no particularly notable sights or unusual townscape features. Today's Castelo Branco is centerd around the broad Alameda da Liberdade and the adjacent square, with gardens and the tourist information center. West of this newer part of town are the 16th C. town hall and some 16th-18th C. townhouses, grouped around the Praça Luís de Camoes.
Print this page
Add to Favorites
