The best traffic-free bike rides around Figueira De Castelo Rodrigo

Nestled in the Serra da Marofa valley, Freixeda do Torrão holds centuries of history. Its name dates back to 1190, and since then, time has left its mark. Among its treasures stands the Parish Church, with Romanesque roots, rebuilt after the devastating fire of 1908 but still faithful to the 16th-century portal that saw its birth. In the heart of the parish, the Solar dos Metelos stands tall with its medieval tower and stately coat of arms, a testament to times of power and distinction.

Castelo Rodrigo holds millennia of history, from Paleolithic and Roman remains to the Muslim presence in the castle. Conquered and reconquered between the 12th and 13th centuries, it became a town and municipality under King Alfonso IX of León and passed definitively to Portugal in 1297, when King Dinis rebuilt and repopulated the castle. Marked by wars, charters, and restorations, it welcomed pilgrims on their way to Santiago and remains today one of the twelve Historic Villages of Portugal.

Mata de Lobos, mentioned since 1165, preserves centuries of history and battles. The Chapel of Santa Marinha, a former parish church linked to the Order of Christ, and the main church, expanded in 1759 with a separate bell tower, are the religious heart of the village. In the Salgadela field stands the Padrão de Pedro Jacques de Magalhães, a memorial to the 1664 battle against the Spanish. Ancient graves, a fountain, and wine presses complete the portrait of a parish that preserves its past and devotion.

At the entrance to Castelo Rodrigo, the Monastery of Santa Maria de Aguiar rises among chestnut trees, founded in 1174 by King Afonso Henriques and handed over to the Cistercian Order. From the sober church to the monks' quarters and the guesthouse loggia with its 1704 coat of arms, everything testifies to centuries of faith and hospitality for pilgrims to Santiago. Despite the damage caused by the French invasions and its abandonment in 1834, the monastery's former beauty remains intact.

Castelo Rodrigo is a village with a medieval soul, where time has left its deep marks: walls, stone streets and remains of an ancient community of New Christians. Surrounded by magnificent landscapes, from the Douro International Natural Park to the Côa Valley, passing through the Serra da Marofa and the Faia Brava Reserve, this village is an invitation to contemplation and to taste. Here, history is served at the table: Marofa lamb, octopus in migas or rice are flavors that count as much as the books.

Vale da Mula lies in a valley between the Aguiar and Tourões rivers, right next to the Spanish border. The current name comes from the adaptation of the Castilian “Vale de la Mula”, which was used until recently. During the Restoration War, this discreet place played a prominent role and it was also from here that the Portuguese offensive towards Guardão began, the cradle of Spanish attacks on neighbouring lands.

Small castle ruin worth seeing, which can be visited for one euro.

We stopped there for a break during our 2023 Lisbon-Porto-Madrid tour. The historic city with its mighty walls impressed us greatly. Definitely worth a trip. 👌