Castelo de Vide Attractions 
On the northwest side of the bleak Serra de Sao Mameda, clustering in steps and stairs around the hilltop on which stands its castle, Castelo de Vide is 20km/12.5mi north of Portalegre, near the Spanish frontier. Although one of Portugal's most picturesque places, tourism is still within reasonable bounds, and the townsfolk mostly still earn their living from agriculture and handicrafts, as well as from visitors to the cold mineral springs containing Glauber's salt and taken for the treatment of diabetes and skin and liver ailments.
Townscape
Castelo de Vide has managed to preserve its medieval townscape virtually intact, with its picturesque maze of narrow streets and trim whitewashed houses with their characteristic chimneys, and many charming little squares and nooks and corners. Flowers are everywhere and just about every house in the old town center is resplendent with window boxes and rows of flowerpots.
Townscape
Castelo de Vide has managed to preserve its medieval townscape virtually intact, with its picturesque maze of narrow streets and trim whitewashed houses with their characteristic chimneys, and many charming little squares and nooks and corners. Flowers are everywhere and just about every house in the old town center is resplendent with window boxes and rows of flowerpots.
Castelo
From the Praça de Dom Pedro V signs point the way along picturesque lanes up to the Castelo do Sao Roque, built in 1327 on the remains of a Moorish castle, from which an ingenious ventilation system still survives. Its massive keep was damaged by an explosion in 1705 but can still be climbed to obtain superb views over the town and countryside. Within the castle perimeter stands the church of Nossa Senhora da Alegria, completely covered with 17th C. azulejos.
Hours
May 1 to September 30
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 |
| Close | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 |
October 1 to April 30
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
Convento de Sao Francisco
Northeast of the Praça de Dom Pedro, in the opposite direction to the castle at the other end of Castelo de Vide, and reached via gardens and the "Fonte do Montorinho" fountain, is the former Franciscan convent, the Convento de Sao Francisco, now a home for the visually handicapped.
Judiaria
Just left of the exit from the castle is the old Jewish quarter, the Judiaria, where time seems to have stood still. The narrow steep alleyways are pedestrian only. Many of the little houses have fine Gothic and Manueline windows and doors. Easily viewable, the 14th C. synagogue on the main street is barely distinguishable from the other houses. The main street ends in an attractive square with the covered Renaissance town fountain, the Fonte da Vile.
Monte da Penha
4km/2.5mi southwest of Castelo de Vide is the Monte da Penha (700m/2,300ft; chapel), from which there is a charming view of the town.
Nisa, Portugal
(Near Castelo de Vide)
Praça de Dom Pedro V
The center of Castelo de Vide, and the best starting point for a walk round the town, is the Praça de Dom Pedro V, a well-proportioned square bounded by Baroque palaces, churches and the town hall with a statue of Dom Pedro V in the middle. Dominating the square is the Baroque church of Santa Maria with its squat pyramidal central tower.
Ribeira de Nisa
To the west of Nisa flows the Ribeira de Nisa, a tributary of the Tagus, which is dammed about 10km/6mi southeast of the town to form the Barragem da Póvoa.
