CASTELO DE VIDE TOURISM GUIDE
Medieval charm and a Jewish enclave
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The pretty town of Castelo de Vide is of Roman origin, and nearby are the
ruins of the Roman settlement of Miróbriga.
Many Roman artifacts have been found there (most of them now in Lisbon's museums), but it's the
sizeable Jewish presence in the Middle Ages that the town is now known for.
There is an atmospheric medieval Judiaria,
or Jewish Quarter, where time seems to have stood still, with cobbled
streets and whitewashed houses (most of them with Gothic doorways and potted
plants on the doorsteps). Here is also the oldest synagogue in the
country, although all that remains is one modest little room.
In a pretty little square below the Jewish Quarter is a covered Renaissance
fountain with a pyramid roof supported by six marble columns, and a central
urn carved with figures of boys. The nearby spa allegedly cures a variety of
disorders from diabetes to blood pressure problems.
From the Judiaria it's a short climb to the 14th century castle
that looks down on the town. Inside the walls is a medieval quarter that
preserves an ancient atmosphere.
Down the hill is the newer part of town, dating from the 17th and 18th
centuries, with wider, less steep streets.
The elegant main square, Praça Dom Pedro V, is surrounded by Baroque
buildings, churches, and the Town Hall.
There are two daily express bus services to and from Lisbon, although the town is best reached
by car, which is also the easiest way to reach nearby CRATO, a
village with a beautifully restored castle-monastery, now serving as a
stylish pousada.
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Places Nearby
Marvão
- White walled town reaching the sky
Estremoz
- A legendary miracle; a luxury pousada
Monsaraz
- A white town; a magical medieval atmosphere
Evora -
A museum-town; a Roman temple; prehistoric sites
Vila
Viçosa - Marble extravagance; a royal retreat
Elvas -
Impressive military fortifications; a monumental aqueduct
Beja - A
famous 17th century love affair; a lavish old convent
Mértola
- Islam meets Christianity
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AROUND LISBON
AND TAGUS VALLEY Alcobaça Arrábida Azeitão Batalha Cascais Ericeira Estoril Fatima Leiria Mafra Nazaré Obidos Palmela Peniche Queluz Santarém Sesimbra Setubal Sintra Tomar |
ALENTEJO
Beja Castelo de Vide Elvas Estremoz Evora Marvão Mértola Monsaraz Vila Viçosa ALGARVE Albufeira Faro Lagos Sagres Silves Tavira Vila Real de Santo António Vilamoura |
BEIRAS (CENTRAL PORTUGAL)
Aveiro Belmonte Buçaco Coimbra Conimbriga Figueira da Foz Guarda Monsanto Piodão Serra da Estrela Viseu PORTO AND DOURO Amarante Lamego Porto |
MINHO
Barcelos Braga Gerês National Park Guimarães Ponte de Lima Ponte da Barca Viana do Castelo TRAS-OS-MONTES Bragança Chaves Vila Real THE ISLANDS Azores Madeira |