The best road cycling routes around Fortios

Far in the northeast of Alentejo lies Castelo de Vide, just a few kilometers from the border with Spain. The town is often called Cidade branca (white city), which is primarily due to the pretty whitewashed houses of the town. The highlight of the town (besides its great location in the Parque Natural da Serra de São Mamede) is the 14th-century Castelo de São Roque. From the castle, you have a fantastic view of the old town. Other sights in Castelo de Vide include the old Jewish quarter with the oldest synagogue in Portugal and the numerous churches and chapels of the town.

The castle was founded by King D. Dinis in 1290, with the aim of defending the Alentejo border. Originally, it had an imposing structure with a double ring of walls, twelve towers and eight gates. Over the centuries, it lost part of its structure to the growth of the city, but it remains a National Monument. The Keep is the best-preserved part of the original complex. Inside, there is a museum that you can visit.

A place to visit every month. It's wonderful.

Imposing building in which the Centro de Dia senior center is located

The current pillory dates from the years immediately following the granting of the New Charter by King Manuel in 1512 and reflects his Manueline, albeit very rustic, style. The monument stands in front of the 16th-century district jail building and next to the clock tower, also from the 16th century, in the square that bears his name. It stands on a base with four octagonal steps and consists of an octagonal shaft set directly into the upper step, formed by five drums with mortar joints.

The fortified town of Marvão, 12 kilometers from Quinta do Pomarinho, is also known as the "Eagle's Nest." It boasts a spectacular location on a granite cliff, atop one of the peaks of the Serra de São de Mamede mountain range. Completely walled, Marvão is situated in the Alto Alentejo region, near the Spanish border, which was once controlled from the village. The town of Marvão owes its name to Ibn Maruane, an Arab military leader who sought refuge here in the 11th century. He hid on Mount Ammaia and built a castle there, in the most remote and inaccessible spot he could find. Years later, the castle was transformed into a medieval fortress. Its location made it a strategic defensive position, nestled among hills with slopes to the north, south, and west, accessible only on foot from the village. For many years, Marvão was a municipality heavily and significantly involved in numerous military conflicts in the region. Today, Marvão is a rather sleepy town, but one where you can enjoy wonderful walks. More information can be found here: https://www.feriasemportugal.com/marvao

Portalegre is a historic town in the Serra de São Mamede near the Spanish border, known for its medieval strategic role and rich religious and architectural heritage. It became a city in the 16th century under King João III. Today, it blends baroque charm with cultural landmarks like the Tapestry Museum and José Régio’s House-Museum.

The Castle of Portalegre is a medieval Portuguese castle located in the town of Portalegre. Positioned on a high point overlooking the old town, it stands out for its dark walls contrasting with whitewashed houses. Historically, it served as a key defense on the frontier with Castile.