LAND OF ENCHANTMENT

"Welcome to Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo", it was in these terms that the Mayor of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo addressed the Austrian military who in this town proposed to take Solomon to Valladolid. Therefore, we also invite the Traveller to know and discover one of the most beautiful tourist villages in Portugal, so that we can proudly say "while there is Portugal, he was in Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo", be it Solomon, Saramago or the Traveller himself.

In the distance "the imposing castle towers can be seen" and the last stop for Solomon and his entourage on Portuguese soil was at the weapons' square, where they guided the pachyderm under the applause and curious eyes of the local population.

An equal welcome we cannot guarantee the traveller, but in this journey through the enchanted lands of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, the traveller will be able to witness, among others, the dignity of the Castelo Rodrigo Historical Village's Square of Arms, the interactivity of the Castelo Rodrigo Battle Interpretive Centre, the humanity expressed in the Ephraim Bueno Interpretive Centre and the monumentality of the natural landscape offered by the Marofa Mountain.

This route in Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo is also marked by the important religious heritage that defines this territory. From several churches with distinctive architectural features to pieces of sacred art and ornaments in gilded woodcarving, the traveller will be surprised even in the most inhospitable places of this municipality.

If the traveller goes to Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo at the end of February, he will witness the almond trees in blossom which, besides beautifying the landscape and perfuming the air, tell a beautiful love story of how the almond trees appeared in Portugal. According to legend, "a Moorish prince, in love with a prisoner from the lands that today make up northern Portugal, had almond trees planted around Silves castle, so that his beloved could remember the picturesque scenery that the snow offers in the coldest months of the year".

When you climb to the Alto da Sapinha viewpoint, the traveller's eyes will not rest for a minute. From this point it is possible to appreciate the calm waters of the River Douro, the cliffs and rocks of the River Águeda and the majestic flight of the griffon vultures over the landscape of terraces, olive groves, almond trees and orchards that characterise the local landscape.

And because this journey is made of inspiration, we try to offer unique memories, so, we invite the Traveller to enjoy the rich and diverse local gastronomy that preserves and values the identity of Beira Interior and, specifically, of the Municipality of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo.