The best road cycling routes around Alter Do Chão

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.

A place to visit every month. It's wonderful.

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

Beirã is a small, quiet town surrounded by rolling countryside, with cork oak forests, olive groves and a rural, peaceful atmosphere typical of the Alto Alentejo. This village is often associated with its historic train station, once an important hub on the line between Lisbon and Madrid, which still retains some of its old-world charm. Beirã is an ideal base for exploring the surrounding nature and the area's rich historical sites, such as the nearby, well-preserved medieval village of Marvão, perched on a hill, or the Roman city of Ammaia.

Marvão is dominated by its imposing and well-preserved medieval castle. The fortified walls embrace the entire village, enclosing a maze of narrow cobbled streets, white houses with red roofs and small flower-filled squares. The views from the walls are breathtaking, taking in a vast panorama of hills, valleys and, on a clear day, all the way to the Serra da Estrela mountain range. Marvão is a true open-air museum, preserving the atmosphere and architecture of centuries past. It is on the UNESCO tentative list of potential World Heritage Sites, and is an ideal destination for those seeking history, tranquility and spectacular scenery.

Castelo de Vide is a small village that rises on gentle green hills. The fortress stands out among the cluster of white houses to stand out in the surrounding landscape. From here you can enjoy a great view from the saddle of your bike.