An old world little town of white houses and flower bedecked streets perched high above the north bank of the Tagus, Abrantes (altitude: 190m/623ft.) occupies an exposed situation which made it a keypoint in the defense of the old Beira provinces. Until now the town has been able to retain its original character in spite of some ugly new buildings. A local specialty is "Palha de Abrantes", a sweet egg floss.
The houses in Abrantes are famed for their beautiful gardens and floral decor.
Five km/3mi southwest of Constância, on a rocky islet in the Tagus, stands the Templar castle of Almourol. Built on Roman and Moorish foundations, with 11 towers, it is undoubtedly one of Portugal's finest 12th C. castles (restored in the 19th C. in the Romantic style). There is a ferry over to the castle during the tourist season. From the massive keep there are fine views of the Tagus.
Address: Castelo de Almourol Tourist Office, Ilhota do Rio Tejo Praia do Ribatejo - Vila Nova da Barquinha, Castelo de Almourol , Portugal
The little town of Belver (alt. 220m/720ft; pop. 2,000) on the right bank of the Tagus 30km/19mi east of Abrantes is dominated by a castle begun in 1194, in the reign of King Sancho I, completed in 1212 and restored in the 14th C. There is a beautiful carved 13th C. reredos in the castle chapel and "Sancho I's balcony" affords a splendid view of the Tagus valley.
Castelo do Bode (pousada), 10km/6mi north of Constância, is particularly popular with the Portuguese for its water sports and leisure facilities. Its 115m/377ft high dam forms an enormous lake (Barragem do Castelo do Bode) and is the lowest of a series of dams on the Rio Zêzere creating a string of lakes stretching for more than 50km/31mi. Boat trips to the dam from Castelo do Bode can be arranged on request.
12km/7.5mi west of Abrantes, on a beautiful road with splendid views Constância, the Roman Pugna Tagi, is situated at the junction of the Rio Zêzere and the Tagus. The Church of the Misericórdia, with tile decoration, and a parish church (1636; restored in the 19th C. with a ceiling painting from 1890) are both worth seeing.
The Casa Memória de Camões nurtures the memory of the poet Luís Vaz de Camões.
Address: Casa Memória de Camões, Rua do Tejo, Constância , Portugal
Another feature of interest in Abrantes, to be found in the picturesque alleyways of the old town below the Castelo, is the the church of the Misericórdia (16th C.) which has a Renaissance doorway and paintings of the 16th C. Portuguese school.
Of interest in Abrantes, found in the picturesque alleyways of the old town below the Castelo, is the church of São João Baptista (founded 1300, rebuilt 1589), with a Renaissance coffered ceiling and rich woodcarving.
The most interesting feature of Sardoal, about 12km/7mi north of Abrantes, is the altarpiece (polyptych) by an unknown 16th C. master in the parish church.
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Belver, Portugal
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Tancos, Abrantes
