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The Alcázar Gate in Ciudad Rodrigo is one of the historic entrances to the city walls and has great heritage and scenic value. It was opened in 1507 by Antonio del Águila, warden of the Alcázar, when he built the defensive barrier in that area. It is located next to the Castle of Henry II of Trastámara, in the section of the wall facing the Águeda River, known as the Battery, due to the cannons that were once installed there.

The Plaza Mayor of Ciudad Rodrigo is the historical and social heart of the city, with a rich history that reflects its importance as an urban center: Since the Middle Ages, the Plaza Mayor has been the hub of public life: markets, proclamations, and council meetings were held there in the cloister of the former Church of San Juan. In the 16th century, public butcher shops were built, and it became a consolidated space for commercial and festive activities. Until then, the square was home to the Three Roman Columns, a vestige of the ancient Miróbriga, which had been a symbol of the city since the 13th century. In 1580, the square was expanded, incorporating the space that once housed the old prison and the Audiencia (Courthouse). It even had corridors for watching bullfights, a tradition that continues during carnivals.

Ciudad Rodrigo's Town Hall is located in the Plaza Mayor and is one of the city's most emblematic buildings. Its history is linked to the urban and political development of Ciudad Rodrigo since the Middle Ages. Medieval Origins: Ciudad Rodrigo was founded in Roman times, but its consolidation as a fortified urban center occurred in the Middle Ages. Municipal government was organized around the council, which initially met in council houses until the current building was built.

Almeida stands on the plateau like a table set for history: "Al-Mêda" was the name given to it by the Arabs. Previously, it had been a Lusitanian, Roman, and then Christian fort, conquered in 1190 and definitively Portuguese in 1297. Around the medieval castle grew the town, still marked by the Puerta do Sol. After the Restoration, the town transformed into a veritable war machine: the six-pointed star-shaped fortress, with bastions, ravelins, and underground galleries that served as both shelter and prison. It was the scene of decisive battles, devastated by the explosion of 1810 and contested in the liberal wars, always rising from the ruins.

Vale da Mula lies in a valley between the Aguiar and Tourões rivers, right next to the Spanish border. The current name comes from the adaptation of the Castilian “Vale de la Mula”, which was used until recently. During the Restoration War, this discreet place played a prominent role and it was also from here that the Portuguese offensive towards Guardão began, the cradle of Spanish attacks on neighbouring lands.

The Almeida Fort, originally founded as a castle in the 12th century, is one of the best-preserved fortifications in Portugal. It played an important role throughout its history, particularly during the Napoleonic Wars. It was heavily damaged during the Siege of Almeida in 1810 but was later rebuilt. The star fort is known for its bastions and deep moats, which were once intended to provide protection against invaders.

The Puerta del Alcázar is one of the ancient access gates to the walled enclosure of Ciudad Rodrigo. This gate, along with others such as the Puerta del Sol and the Puerta de Santiago, was part of the city's defensive system.

We stopped there for a break during our 2023 Lisbon-Porto-Madrid tour. The historic city with its mighty walls impressed us greatly. Definitely worth a trip. 👌