핀헬 주변 최고의 교통량 없는 자전거 라이딩 코스

Castelo Rodrigo holds millennia of history, from Paleolithic and Roman remains to the Muslim presence in the castle. Conquered and reconquered between the 12th and 13th centuries, it became a town and municipality under King Alfonso IX of León and passed definitively to Portugal in 1297, when King Dinis rebuilt and repopulated the castle. Marked by wars, charters, and restorations, it welcomed pilgrims on their way to Santiago and remains today one of the twelve Historic Villages of Portugal.

At the entrance to Castelo Rodrigo, the Monastery of Santa Maria de Aguiar rises among chestnut trees, founded in 1174 by King Afonso Henriques and handed over to the Cistercian Order. From the sober church to the monks' quarters and the guesthouse loggia with its 1704 coat of arms, everything testifies to centuries of faith and hospitality for pilgrims to Santiago. Despite the damage caused by the French invasions and its abandonment in 1834, the monastery's former beauty remains intact.

High above Almofala stands the Roquilho Cross, or "Divino Manso" (Divine Manso) as it is known by the locals, guarding the crossroads where pilgrims once passed on their way to Santiago. This sixteenth-century granite landmark, with its Manueline design, recalls the routes that connected Beira to Galicia and evokes the devotion of King Manuel, himself a pilgrim in 1502.

Castelo Rodrigo is a village with a medieval soul, where time has left its deep marks: walls, stone streets and remains of an ancient community of New Christians. Surrounded by magnificent landscapes, from the Douro International Natural Park to the Côa Valley, passing through the Serra da Marofa and the Faia Brava Reserve, this village is an invitation to contemplation and to taste. Here, history is served at the table: Marofa lamb, octopus in migas or rice are flavors that count as much as the books.

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.

Very good for a quick snack!

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. 👌

Impressive town that is located on this hilltop and the ruins in the center are also worth seeing.