Itinerary for 2 days

Medelim

Explore the village ”Medelim de balconies, jews an Borrachões biscuits”, on a journey along the Balcony Route and discover stories and legends that carry the legacy of ancient civilizations dating back to prehistory, passing through the Romans, reign of King Sancho I among others important historical figures. It is also worth noting the Jewish heritage, strongly present in the built and intangible heritage.

Facts about Medelim:

Idanha-a-Velha e Monsanto

We head now to Idanha-a-Velha, following a Templar route. Visit the archaeological excavations and Porta Sul next to the Cathedral or Santa Maria, the Epigraphic Archive (one of the largest in the world), Suevi and Visigothic Baptistries, the Romanesque Bridge that crosses the Ponsul River, the Chapel of S. Dâmaso and the Family House, Morocco built on an ancient Roman Forum. From medieval times, be sure to see the Keep or the Templars Tower and the Wall surrounding the town.

We suggest a stop for a divine lunch at the Restaurante da Velha Fonte, Casa da Amoreira, prepared by Chef Maria Caldeira de Sousa (reservation is recommended).

On the way to Monsanto, we recommend a stop at S. Pedro de Vir-a-Corça, located between the cliffs of Monsanto and the place of Carroqueiro. It features a cave and a chapel. A place of silence, contemplation and enormous Templar mystique, worthy of a fairy tale, having been initially a Romanesque temple and later a hermitage sanctuary. Where legend has it that magicians existed…

Following the Barrocais Route, we now head to Monsanto, widely known as the “most Portuguese village in Portugal”, a place of inspiration for Zeca Afonso and Fernando Namora, where the granite boulders and the entire history of our most remote ancestors are manifested. Towards the highest peak, where the castle is, transformed by the Templar order into the Templar Tower, and also its geomorphological viewpoint, we find several points of interest: the Porta da Muralha Romana, the Fonte do Ferreiro, the Archaeological Station S. Lourenço, Igreja Matriz, Old Winery, Cruzeiro S. Salvador, Igreja da Misericórdia, Torre de Lucano (clock tower), Church of Santa Maria do Castelo, Viewpoint of the Ruins of the Capela S. João, Capela de Sto. António, Former Chapel of Socorro, Pelourinho, Granitic Inselberg, Ruins of the Romanesque Chapel of S. Miguel, Torre do Pião Ruins, Grotto, Penedo de Pé Calvo, Furdas, Monsanto Castle.

Facts about Monsanto:

On the slopes of the Penha Garcia mountain range, on the sunny south slope, Momento, we will discover the Village. At the top of the escarpment, we climb Penha Garcia Castle and reach the Ruins of the Castle Viewpoint, the Mother Church, the Church of Nossa Sra. da Conceição and Pelourinho. Afterwards, it is recommended to go down by car to the picturesque Praia Fluvial do Pego, known for its natural waterfall. Going up the quartzite escarpment, we begin the Ichnofossils Route. The route features small walkways and points of interest such as the Casa dos Fósseis, the Moinhos de Rodízio, the Quartz Mine, a Grotto and the Penha Garcia Dam.

Return towards Medelim and head towards Proença-a-Velha, where you can visit the very interesting Olive Oil Museum.

Towards the center of Idanha-a-Nova, the county seat and formerly known as the granary of Beira Baixa, the Raiano Cultural Centre, the Igreja Matriz and the Castle are worth a visit (especially for their views), and an interesting set of emblazoned houses and solar.

Visit to the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora do Almortão, patron saint of one of the most ancient and important pilgrimages in the county. On the way to the Marechal Carmona Dam, with its imposing shield with the coat of arms of Portugal and a reservoir, where you can enjoy a beautiful landscape.