Beautiful Village in Portugal
Hey everybody, it’s Ismail Siddiky. Welcome back to the site. I hope you are having a fantastic day. Today I am talking about “Beautiful Village in Portugal.” Let’s start.
Discovering Portugal’s Hidden Gems
Portugal is one of the oldest and most ancient countries in Europe and the world. Many tourists do not venture further than their resorts, unaware that Portugal has so much more to offer the inquisitive visitor. It is a land full of beautiful forests, natural wonders, and charming medieval castles clinging to the tops of rocky outcrops. If you’d love to visit places all the way from tourist hotspots, then come join us. In this episode of Off the Beaten Path, we will explore the unknown and the more rural Central Eastern region, where we will discover medieval and historical villages.
A Glimpse into the Past
Beautiful, stunning, and magical are words to describe this hilltop medieval historical village. Upon entering this village through the original gateway, the visitor is treated to a village virtually unchanged since the 16th century, with narrow granite-paved streets and delightful granite houses with terracotta tiles. The homes and buildings are constructed out of the surrounding granite, and the village is almost at one with the hillside, adapting beautifully to the landscape. Rather than try and move the large granite boulders, the villagers built their hobbit-sized homes amongst them. They incorporated the rocks into the very fabric of their homes, adding a unique and magical charm, sometimes above, sometimes below, and sometimes even inside.
The Enchanting Fortress
The village’s origins date back to prehistory when it was linked with pagan rituals. Animal pens and shelters carved out of the rock centuries ago, still used for storage, have an almost timeless quality. It’s been described as the most Portuguese and picturesque village in Portugal and also as the “island in the sky,” dominating the village on a high craggy rock and visible for miles around. The formidable and impregnable stone fortress still dominates the village.
The climb up to the fortress is steep and requires fitness, but should not be rushed, as the views from the path are simply breathtaking. Over the village and the valley below, we visited on a rainy day, which added an extra feeling of romanticism and mystique to the place. When we visited in July 2022, the number of other visitors was very low, perhaps a handful or so. However, in 2022, the fortress was used as a location for the new Game of Thrones series House of the Dragon. This may mean that it could prove more popular in the future with location tourists, so one may wish to pick visit times to be at different times of the year.
Historical Treasures
Just below the fortress stands the roofless remains of a Romanesque church dating back to the 13th century. The approach to the fortress has classic defensive structures with sharp bends to hamper would-be attackers, and a huge granite flagstone marks the entryway to the gate tower. Upon entering the interior of the fortress, not many of the buildings remain. The main attraction of the fortress is the steep steps leading up to the ramparts, offering breathtaking views across the open valley, and one is treated to panoramic views in all directions for miles across Central Portugal.
With such a dominating position, there is no wonder that it has never been taken by force or assault despite countless sieges due to its isolated location at the height of 758 meters. The Romans tried to invade, but the villagers tricked them by throwing a fat calf over the fortress walls to make them think they had stores full of food, yet they would never yield. This momentous event is celebrated every year in spring, with young girls dressed in white who climb to the top of the castle and throw a calf made of roses and jars of flowers over the ramparts.
Exploring the Medieval Atmosphere
This village and fortress is truly magical and a beautiful place to visit if you’re ever in Central Portugal. Upon entering this medieval village, the gothic gateway has a defensive balcony where soldiers would throw all sorts of nasties down onto anyone who dared try and enter the village uninvited. This ancient village has a unique medieval atmosphere where all the houses are made of granite with terracotta roofs. Exploring the narrow cobbled alleyways, one can really get a feel of ancient times centuries ago being in a village off the tourist track. The alleyways and streets are empty, allowing for a solitary exploration.
At the top of the village, in a dominating position on a rocky outcrop, is the castle in excellent condition. The castle gate faces the central square and is over two meters in height, partly carved out of the huge rock. A short but steep climb to the entry of the castle via the original steps leads into the main castle courtyard. Immediately, one notices the single tower keep looming down from a higher rock. Unfortunately, there is no entrance to the tower accessible to visitors. Visible inside the courtyard is the sallyport, the secret exit for defenders to escape to the outside of the castle in times of need.
Stunning Views and Experiences
However, the main attraction is the castle ramparts, which, if one is fit enough, can be climbed via some steep stairs. The ramparts are not suitable for anyone with vertigo, as they are very narrow with sheer drops down the rocky cliff. But the reward for those brave enough to tackle them is simply stunning, with panoramic views across the valley for as far as the eye can see. The castle is situated over 700 meters above the valley floor with a formidable defensive position, serving as a frontier castle close to the Spanish border.
The ramparts also provide a lovely view over the village below, with all the terracotta roofs and the medieval buildings glistening in the sunshine. The village is encircled by strong defensive town walls, which are very well preserved and best seen from the viewpoints of the castle ramparts—truly awe-inspiring.
A Charming Town Experience
This delightful little town hasn’t changed much since its peak in the 13th century. The maze of narrow streets all lead to the main piazza of the town, which is grand, with a lovely church and a former town hall both standing proud in its center. On the town hall is the Royal coat of arms, which retains great symbolism and spans out from the main piazza. This fortified small town is surrounded by ancient walls and has narrow cobbled streets lined with traditional medieval houses. The little streets follow the original medieval layout of the town.
Leading away from the main square, one will find the old Jewish quarter, now an alleyway, lined with beautiful flowers, which are a delight to wander through. This area has perhaps the most attractive alleyways in the whole town. On the other side of the alleyway are attractive ancient buildings adorned with lovely flower boxes.
This pleasant alleyway leads up the hill to the castle at the top of the town. At the top of a small hill is the fortified Castle y Barbera. This castle and a small section of the original town walls that used to surround the whole town are all that remains.
The Beauty of Simplicity
The little hilltop medieval village is quiet and understated with a charming atmosphere. The cobbled streets are narrow, and the houses colorful with pretty roofs. Most streets are picturesque with colorful flowers and plants, adding extra charm. It’s a fortified village located at a great height on a rock and was important for the defense of Portugal against Castile in the 17th century. The narrow streets are quiet, unspoiled, and tourist-free, making it easy to lose touch with modern life and simply wander the streets.
The main attraction of the town is the castle at the west end of the village, built between the 17th and 18th centuries. From a distance, with the walls, it looks like a cobra snake coiling around, ready to strike. As one gets closer, the defensive medieval design can be seen with twisting tight corridors to confound the enemy, aiding defenders with a number of gateways.
As one enters the main castle area, known as the many grass, one is attracted to the jaw-dropping views over the countryside. Looking over the outer walls, the castle is balanced, almost clinging to the foreboding rocky outcrop. It really is a view that seems to touch one’s soul—a truly beautiful castle and one of the most romantic we’ve seen in our travels.
Secrets of the Past
If that is not enough to feed one’s imagination, the castle has a hidden secret. Under the walls is a water system, which the castle inhabitants used in times of drought. Although not much visually, the medieval builders unwittingly created a cavern with the most amazing acoustics.
This small hilltop medieval town is one of the gems in the region—one of the best-preserved unspoiled medieval towns in Portugal, with the jumble of whitewashed houses and red terracotta roofs clinging to the sides of the lush hillside, creating the feeling of being transported back centuries. One thing that immediately comes to mind when walking through this pretty medieval small hilltop town is just how peaceful and decorative the streets are. The white and yellow homes are adorned with beautiful flowers and plants by the doorways, on window ledges, and in flower boxes.
It feels like all the townsfolk are keen gardeners, as all the floral displays are beautifully kept. This is not a town of grandeur, but rather a sweet, small town full of charm, quaintness, and atmosphere. It’s simply delightful, just leisurely strolling through the seemingly endless maze of narrow, flower-lined cobbled lanes and peaceful squares. Not being a tourist town, the alleyways are peaceful, quiet, and empty, allowing one to wander freely and have the streets to oneself.
Discovering Curiosities
This village in Portugal has a picturesque charm that can’t be replicated. It is often referred to as the land of kings, the land of stories, and the land of surprises. While many travelers seek out Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve, few venture to these hidden gems, which are simply stunning.
Hidden within Portugal’s interior lies a secret past, waiting to be discovered. There is a sense of tranquility that reigns in this little town, a sense that time has almost stood still since the time of the kings. The castle is undoubtedly the highlight of this charming village, so ensure you visit this hidden gem during your travels to Portugal.
So, if you’re looking for a slice of medieval charm away from the bustling tourist traps, this beautiful village should be at the top of your travel list. Experience the magic for yourself—you won’t regret it!
Conclusion: A Must-Visit Destination
In summary, this beautiful medieval village in Portugal offers a unique glimpse into the country’s rich history and culture. From its enchanting fortress to the picturesque streets lined with vibrant flowers, every corner of this village tells a story. The tranquil atmosphere, away from the crowds, allows for a true escape into the past, making it an ideal spot for those seeking adventure off the beaten path.
Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply someone looking to enjoy the beauty of Portugal, this village has something special to offer. So pack your bags, lace up your walking shoes, and prepare to immerse yourself in the charm and magic of one of Portugal’s best-kept secrets.
Don’t forget your camera—you’ll want to capture the breathtaking views and the stunning architecture that make this village a truly unforgettable destination. Happy travels!
