The best traffic-free bike rides around Sé e Sé e Sé e São Lourenço

Located at the highest point of the historic center of Portalegre, enjoying strategic views over the city and the surrounding landscape, which so well characterizes the Alto-Alentejo region. Medieval castle, built during the reign of D. Dinis, around 1290. In this fortification, related to the defense of the Alto-Alentejo border, the Keep (Torre de Menagem) stands out, with interior floors covered by vaults and a regular quadrangular plan, well integrated into the characteristic wall of military Gothic architecture. There are still three towers, out of the twelve it initially had, one of which is the North Tower (Torre Norte) which, due to its height, currently constitutes the true scenic symbol of the city's medieval past. The castle has already undergone restoration work, and has also been intervened to house a museum inside, the Keep Museum Nucleus (Núcleo Museológico da Torre de Menagem), which is currently in operation.

A place in memory

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.

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.

Lagoon upstream of the Quinta da Fonte Souto vineyard. Deep green.