Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo Attractions

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.

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.

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.