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Castelo Branco was an important frontier town that was subject to many attacks from nearby Spain. It's most famous for its exquisitely silk embroidered linen called colchas - bedspreads or coverlets that were inspired by those that were brought back by Portuguese explorers from India and China. They became a symbol of wealth and prestige and the designs of exotic flora and fauna came to represent different things, like two birds symbolise lovers.
Today Castelo Branco as the capital of Beira Baixa is a modern town with all amenities you might need for exploring the more rural areas around the region including the Tejo Internacional Natural Park and the Naurtejo Geopark.
Castelo Branco is just 20 kilometres north from the Spanish border which has meant it has suffered repeated attacks over the centuries. However some historic sights do remain including the castle ruins, the Bishop's Palace and several churches.
The castle was built by the Knights Templar in the 13th century. Around the remaining castle walls gardens have been laid out making it a pleasant place to get good views over the town and surrounding countryside.
The Bishop's Palace, Palacio Episcopal, is an 18th century building that now houses Museu de Francisco Tavares Proenca Junior that tells the story of the history of the episcopacy with 16th century paintings and 18th century portraits of popes, kings and cardinals. There's also an exhibition of Castelo Branco's colchas - elaborately embroidered linen - that includes some 17th century examples made in India and China. Museu de Francisco Tavares Proenca Junior, Largo Dr Jose Lopes Dias, 6000-462 Castelo Branco. Tel: 351 272 344 277. Fax: 351 272 347 880. Email: mftpj@ipmuseus.pt. You can see them being made at the Loga da Villa on Rua da Misericaordia although you won't see one being finished in front of your eyes as they can take up to a year to complete! Prices are extraordinary too starting at 1,000 Euros for a small item and 7,500 Euros for a bedspread sized colcha.
Tourist Information, Praca do Municpio, 6000-458 Castelo Branco. Tel: 351 272 330 339. Fax: 351 272 330 350. Email: turismo.cmcb@mail.telepac.pt. Open Tues-Sat 9.30 am-7.30 pm. Sat-Sun 9.30 am-1 pm and 2.30-6 pm
Castelo Branco is on the Lisbon to Guarda line with six trains daily from Lisbon. Castelo is on the Braga to Faro express route which goes through Covilha, Guarda, Viseu and Portalegre. Other services run to Coimbra and Lisbon.
Castelo Branco is an ideal base for exploring the Tejo Internacional Natural Park that runs along the Spanish border and Portugal's only Geopark, Naturtejo da Meseta Meridional Geopark.
The Tejo Internacional Natural Park covers an area of Castelo Branco and Idanha-a-Nova, between the mountains of the Beiras region and the plains of the Alentejo. Steep sided valleys provide a spectacular natural setting next to the River Tagus and its tributaries (Ponsul, Erges and Aravil), where around 154 bird species breed. This is an excellent area for birdwatching. You can see colonies of black storks (the Park's symbol), eagles and eagle owls. It also an area where you can have a go at more active pursuits including walking and hiking, mountain climbing or canoeing. The agriculture of the region is very much pastoral and many regional specialities are available from farms and local shops as edible souvenirs like honey, olive oil, homemade bread or cheeses, all made using traditional techniques. See the Tejo Internacional Natural Park page for more information.
The Naturtejo da Meseta Meridional Geopark stretches across an area encompassing the cities of Castelo Branco, Idanha-a-Nova, Nisa, Olerios, Proenca-a-Nova and Vila Velha de Rodao and includes the Tejo International Natural Park. The designation of Geopark aims to protect the area's geology while at the same time promoting the understanding of the geology alongside sustainable tourism.
500 million years ago the sea covered Castelo Branco, Idanha-a-Nova, Nisa, Oleiros, Proenca-a-Nova and Vila Velha de Rodao. Today a range of fossils have been found that show the sorts of animals that would have roamed the area but have since become extinct. The rivers flowing through the Park today unveil a very ancient landscape, made of wide plains and deep valleys through interestingly shaped mountains. For anyone interested in geology there are classic formations in the rocks all over the Geopark area. Throughout the Park is the most extensive network of trails in the country. Trails are broken down by themes, like fossils or rock art, and give an insight into the geological history of the earth, as well as human interaction with nature. Interpretive panels point the way to some of the most pristine wilderness. For more information check the Naturtejo website although it's only in Portuguese at the moment. There is a handy map though. In nearby Monsanto Europe's first geo-restaurant has recently opened. The aim of the restaurant, Petiscos & Granitos, is to offer a dining concept inspired by the Geopark Naturtejo Park. It serves local foods, prepared using traditional methods, and food from Portuguese producers who have used earth-friendly methods. The restaurant itself was built with local materials, including giant blocks of local granite.
The information office for the Tejo Internacional Natural Park is in Castelo Branco at:
Avenida 1 de Maio, 99 - 3 Esq - 6000-086 Castelo Branco. Tel.: 351 272 348 140 - Fax: 351 272 348 149. Email: pnti@icn.pt
Ludeventos is an outdoor activity and recreational centre in Castelo Branco offering equipment hire and adventure activities on Rua Dr. Jose Afonso Santos, Lote 110, 1 Esquerdo, Castelo Branco. 6000-217. Tel/Fax: 351 272 341 328. Email: gerencia@ludeventos.pt. Check their website for more information.
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