Sortelha: A Journey Through Medieval Portugal
How to get here
~3 hours by car from Lisbon
~2 hours and 40 minutes by car from Porto
You can find a car to rent through our partners:
Keypoints
Historic Castle: Sortelha is home to a well-preserved medieval castle dating back to the 12th century. The castle walls and towers offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Walled Village: The town is entirely enclosed within its original walls, making it a unique and well-preserved example of a medieval walled village.
Cobblestone Streets: The narrow, winding streets of Sortelha are lined with traditional houses and paved with uneven cobblestones, adding to the village's historic charm.
Gothic Church: Sortelha's Gothic church, Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora das Neves, is a stunning example of medieval architecture and features beautiful stained glass windows.
Natural Beauty: The village is surrounded by beautiful countryside, including the Serra da Estrela Natural Park and the Côa River Valley, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers.
Festivals: Sortelha hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the medieval fair, which transports visitors back in time to the Middle Ages with period costumes, jousting tournaments, and traditional crafts.
Description
If you're looking for a glimpse into medieval Portugal, there's no better place to visit than Sortelha. This small historic village is located in the central region of Portugal, in the municipality of Sabugal, and it's a must-see destination for anyone interested in history and architecture.
Sortelha's history dates back to the pre-Roman period, but it was during the medieval times that it gained importance and became a fortified village. King Sancho I of Portugal founded Sortelha in the 12th century and ordered the construction of a castle and walls to protect the village from invasions. The castle was built on a hill overlooking the surrounding landscape, which made it easier for the defenders to spot enemies approaching. The walls, made of granite, were also a formidable defense against attacks.
During the Middle Ages, Sortelha was an important strategic location, as it was located on the border between Portugal and Spain. The village was also a center for trade and commerce, with many merchants passing through on their way to other parts of the country.
Today, Sortelha is a well-preserved medieval village that attracts visitors from all over the world. Its castle, walls, and narrow streets offer a glimpse into the past and make it one of the most picturesque villages in Portugal. As you enter Sortelha, you'll feel like you've been transported back in time to the Middle Ages.
The castle is the most impressive feature of Sortelha. It's a massive stone fortress that dominates the village and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. You can walk along the castle walls and explore the towers, imagining what life was like for the soldiers who defended the village from invaders.
The village itself is a maze of narrow streets and alleys that wind their way up the hill to the castle. The houses are made of stone and have wooden balconies and terracotta roofs, giving the village a rustic charm. There are several churches in Sortelha, including the Church of Santa Maria and the Church of São Tiago, which are both worth a visit.
One of the best things about Sortelha is that it's still relatively undiscovered by tourists. Unlike some other medieval villages in Portugal, Sortelha has managed to retain its authentic atmosphere and hasn't been overrun by souvenir shops and crowds of tourists. This makes it the perfect destination for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life and experience a slower, more relaxed pace.
In conclusion, Sortelha is a hidden gem that's well worth a visit if you're interested in history and architecture. Its medieval castle, walls, and narrow streets offer a unique glimpse into the past and make it one of the most picturesque villages in Portugal. So why not pack your bags and head to Sortelha for an unforgettable journey through medieval Portugal?
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