Page 218 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Portugal

A DRIVING TOUR
BORDER

CASTLES

EXPERIENCE The Beiras Length 115 km (72 miles) Stopping-off points Pinhel;
Almeida Terrain The tour uses well-surfaced roads; short
cuts are deceptive and not recommended
Defending Portugal’s frontiers was a vital priority of the
nation’s early kings. All along the shakily held border,
Spanish incursions were frequent and loyalties divided.
Castles were constantly being assaulted, besieged and
rebuilt, and the 20 that survived are a lasting reminder of
this long period of dispute. Follow this route to visit five
of these remaining fortified towns. Much of the terrain,
especially in the Serra da Marofa, is bleak and rocky, but
near Pinhel and beyond Castelo Mendo the scenic valley of
the River Côa provides a dramatic backdrop.

Part of the region’s defences since
Roman times, Pinhel formed
the fulcrum for a network
of fortresses, and in the early
14th century King Dinis, who was
responsible for the construction
of many of Portugal’s castles,
built it up into an impressive
citadel. Much of this ring of walls
survives, as do two towers. The
city has an abundance of cafés
and restaurants, making it a
good stopping off point.

One of the two surviving
towers that remain of the
citadel at Pinhel

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