The best road cycling routes around Monte Da Pedra

Castelo de Vide is a charming Portuguese medieval village located in the district of Portalegre, in the Alentejo region, perched on the hills of the Serra de São Mamede Natural Park. Nicknamed the "Sintra of Alentejo" for its flowery alleys and lush landscapes, this town is famous for its healing thermal waters, its intact Gothic architecture, and one of the most important historical Jewish communities in the country.

Far in the northeast of Alentejo lies Castelo de Vide, just a few kilometers from the border with Spain. The town is often called Cidade branca (white city), which is primarily due to the pretty whitewashed houses of the town. The highlight of the town (besides its great location in the Parque Natural da Serra de São Mamede) is the 14th-century Castelo de São Roque. From the castle, you have a fantastic view of the old town. Other sights in Castelo de Vide include the old Jewish quarter with the oldest synagogue in Portugal and the numerous churches and chapels of the town.

A place in memory

Located in the parish of Seda, in the heart of the Alentejo, the ruins of the walls that surrounded the ancient castle of Seda remain determined to preserve their ancient history. Without official evidence, some studies point to the existence of a castro of the Lusitanian tribe, occupied by Roman troops who would have erected a fortification there. The Roman presence in the region is well-known, and easily attested to by the Vila Formosa Bridge (1st and 2nd centuries), milestones, and the military road that would have connected Lisbon to Mérida. In 1160, King Afonso Henriques conquered the village, which at the time was called Arminho, from the Moors and donated the fortification to the Templars. This is the date that marked the beginning of the village's original enclosure. During the reign of King Afonso III, the village was handed over to the Order of Aviz and was later elevated to the status of a town, even serving as the municipal seat until 1836. The castle, however, gradually lost importance, and only a section of medieval wall, reinforced with turrets, has survived to this day. It has been classified as a Property of Public Interest since 1982.

Imposing building in which the Centro de Dia senior center is located

Located in the Cadeia Nova building, next to the Porta de Montalvão, this museum showcases the typical embroidery and candelabras of Nisa, as well as other objects from the region. The central core consists of a space for long-term exhibitions and an area dedicated to temporary exhibitions. Closing day(s): Mondays Visiting hours: Summer: from 10:00 to 12:30 and from 14:00 to 18:00Winter: from 10:00 to 12:30 and from 14:00 to 17:30 (Source: www.lifecooler.com)

The chafurdão is a traditional dry-stone shelter with a false dome, typical of the region’s vernacular heritage. Though most surviving examples are recent (the oldest dated to 1733), they follow ancient construction techniques. Oriented toward sunrise, these structures include ventilation and lighting through wall openings. Built for temporary use by farmers and shepherds, they often have walled pens and a compact earth-covered roof stabilized by stone capping.

The chafurdão is a traditional dry-stone shelter with a false dome, typical of the region’s vernacular heritage. Though most surviving examples are recent (the oldest dated to 1733), they follow ancient construction techniques. Oriented toward sunrise, these structures include ventilation and lighting through wall openings. Built for temporary use by farmers and shepherds, they often have walled pens and a compact earth-covered roof stabilized by stone capping.