The interesting little town of Belmonte is dominated by a 13th century castle that was transformed into a fortified manor house in the 15th century by the family of Pedro Alvares Cabral, the discoverer of South America. Pedro was born inside, and the family's coat of arms is part of a Manueline window on one of the side walls. The interior has been remodeled and includes an amphitheater for shows and concerts.

A treasured statue of the Virgin that accompanied Cabral on his voyages is in the town's parish church, while his tomb and those of his family members are in the Romanesque Santiago Church. His statue stands in the center of the town, on a street with his name.

Adjacent to the castle is a warren of ancient alleys that make up the old Jewish quarter. Still the residence of dozens of Jewish families today, this is the largest Jewish community in Portugal. There is also a modern synagogue and a small Jewish Museum that tells the story of this centuries-old community.

Northeast of town is a strange Roman tower known as Centum Cellas, a mysterious square, three-storied structure. Archeologists are unable to explain what its function may have been, with some believing it was a watch tower, others a mansion, or even a temple.

About one kilometer (just over half a mile) from the center of the town is a former convent that has been renovated into a pousada. It preserves its historical architecture, mixing it with stylish modern design, and the rooms instead of numbers have the names of the friars who once lived in the building.
The views to the slopes of Serra da Esperança alone would be worth a stay.

Places Nearby

Serra da Estrela - Skiing down the mountain; ghost towns; historical museum-villages Monsanto - Enchanting mountain village squeezed between gigantic boulders Guarda - One of the highest cities in Europe; off the beaten path Portugal