Since the 19th century the inhabitants of Castelo have enjoyed taking walks to Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo 3km/2mi away on a plateau used for fruit growing. The town has made a real effort to preserve its medieval appearance. Inside the 18th century Baroque church are several gilded and carved altars.
17km/10.5mi further along the road from Pinhel, on a hill on the right, lies the old defensive town of Castelo Rodrigo which, though now in ruins, was a place of some importance in medieval times. Remains of the 15th C. castle with its defensive tower, the palace and a well can still be seen; also of interest are a small Gothic church and a Manueline pelourinho (pillory). Most beautiful of all, however, is undoubtedly the view from the castle.
Address: Castelo Rodrigo Tourism Office, Rua do Relógio Castelo Rodrigo 6440-031 Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, , Portugal
In the village of Freixada do Torrao, just over 6km/4mi west of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, there is an old castle and a church with a Romanesque doorway.
20km/12.5mi north of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo the N 221 crosses the Douro, follows the course of the river for a while and after 45km/28miles (measured from Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo) it comes to Freixo de Espada á Cinta. This is the birthplace of the seafarer Jorge Álvares and of the poet Guerra Junqueiro (1850-1923), to whom a small museum is dedicated. The 16th C. parish church has some rich interior decoration.
Address: Freixo de Espada á Cinta Tourist Office, Avª. do Emigrante 5180-103Freixo de Espada à Cinta, Freixo de Espada á Cinta , Portugal
6km/4mi southeast of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo lies the former 13th C. Cistercian convent of Santa Maria de Aguiar (privately owned), with a triple aisled church and a beautiful columned hall. The loggia is supported on pillars from Tuscany.
Address: Santa Maria de Aguiar, Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo/Nave Redonda Santa Maria de Aguiar 6440-032 Castelo Rodrigo, , Portugal
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Freixada do Torrao, Portugal
