Idanha-a-Nova
Halfway between Lisbon and Madrid, the municipality of Idanha-a-Nova could not be better located.
Seat of the municipality, its historical origins are not well known, but it is thought tha the construction of the Castle in 1187, by Gualdim Paes, Master of the Order of the Temple, is an important milestone. In 1206, D. Sancho I, gives it to it the title of town and to distinguish from the old Idanha-a-Velha (Egiptânia), named it the Idanha-a-Nova.
With a fertile plain was once known as the breadbasket of "Beira Baixa", now farmers are more interested in other types of productions - such as tobacco, tomato, wheat, etc.. However, one important aspect is that traditional and modern Idanha-a-Nova living together in common harmony.
From the Mother Church, the palace of the Palms, the Church of Mercy, the important noble houses and manor houses, to modern Raiano Cultural Center, the Municipal Library, Idanha High School of Management, Municipal Pool Complex, Center for Health and Home Multi-purpose, among many other things.
One of the highlights of popular devotion, the municipality and vicinity, occurs on the second Sunday after Easter, continuing the next day (Monday - municipal holiday), which celebrates and participates enthusiastically at the feast of Lady of Almortão.
Today, as then, Idanha-a-Nova is in the center of the Iberian Peninsula.
Seat of the municipality, its historical origins are not well known, but it is thought tha the construction of the Castle in 1187, by Gualdim Paes, Master of the Order of the Temple, is an important milestone. In 1206, D. Sancho I, gives it to it the title of town and to distinguish from the old Idanha-a-Velha (Egiptânia), named it the Idanha-a-Nova.
With a fertile plain was once known as the breadbasket of "Beira Baixa", now farmers are more interested in other types of productions - such as tobacco, tomato, wheat, etc.. However, one important aspect is that traditional and modern Idanha-a-Nova living together in common harmony.
From the Mother Church, the palace of the Palms, the Church of Mercy, the important noble houses and manor houses, to modern Raiano Cultural Center, the Municipal Library, Idanha High School of Management, Municipal Pool Complex, Center for Health and Home Multi-purpose, among many other things.
One of the highlights of popular devotion, the municipality and vicinity, occurs on the second Sunday after Easter, continuing the next day (Monday - municipal holiday), which celebrates and participates enthusiastically at the feast of Lady of Almortão.
Today, as then, Idanha-a-Nova is in the center of the Iberian Peninsula.
Monsanto (Historic Village)
On a high cliff lies a village known as the most Portuguese village in Portugal. As well as preserving the nation’s oldest traditions, the village’s climate and geography mark it out as the place where the north meets the south.
In the second century BC the settlement is said to have resisted a Roman siege for seven years. This feat is the origin of the Festival of the Crosses, which the village celebrates on May 3rd every year.
In the 12th century, D. Afonso Henriques donated the settlement (which had been captured from the Moors) to the Order of the Templars, whose Master in Portugal, Gualdim Pais, ordered the castle to be rebuilt. The village, which is spread over the hillside, boasts one of the most interesting landscapes in Portugal. Granite boulders are used as walls for the houses, and in some cases roofs consist of a single block of stone - which is why the houses here are said to have "only one tile".
Added interest is provided by several large, emblazoned houses, Manueline doorways and the house where the doctor and author Fernando Namora lived, practised and found inspiration for his novel ‘Fragments of a Doctor’s Life’.
Those who feel energetic enough to make the climb up to the castle are rewarded with one of the most stunning views in the region. The bold knights of the Christian Reconquest were buried in hollowed out rocks in this stronghold.
However, perhaps the most important place in the village is Lucan’s Tower. Dating back to the 14th century, the tower is crowned with a silver cockerel, a trophy awarded to Monsanto in a competition in 1938 in which it was judged to be the most Portuguese village in Portugal.
More information: www.aldeiashistoricasdeportugal.com
Idanha-a-Velha (Historic Village)
The different peoples who have occupied Idanha-a-Velha have given the village a rich historical heritage.
Today Idanha-a-Velha is a simple village, which is why visitors might find it hard to imagine that it was once the prosperous ancient Roman city of Civitas Igaeditanorum, situated on the great peninsular road that linked Emerita (Mérida) to Braccara (Braga).
It was later Egitânia, headquarters of the bishopric in the Visigoth period (the 6th-8th centuries), where gold coins for nearly all the Visigoth kings, from Reccared to Roderic, were minted. And in the Moorish period (between the 8th and 12th centuries) it became a large and wealthy town, almost as rich as Lisbon.
It then experienced the conflicts between Christians and Moors in the first century of the Portuguese nation, when D. Afonso Henriques donated it to the Order of the Templars to be resettled.
With the passing of time and the shifting of the major strategic-military fault lines, it gradually lost its grandeur. But it did not lose its historic atmosphere. Visitors will feel as if they are in an open-air museum where great civilisations still come to life through the remains they have left.
More information: www.aldeiashistoricasdeportugal.com
Castle of Penha Garcia
From Penha Garcia visitors can see the edge of the frontier. And from its majestic height you can enjoy an impressive view that stretches deep in the heart of Portugal.The castle is situated on the southern slope of the Serra de Penha Garcia, overlooking the River Pônsul, where there is also a dam that is an oasis of coolness on hot summer afternoons.
This village was reconquered in the reign of D. Afonso II, in 1220, and then donated to the Order of Santiago. Since 1220 untill the XIX century was Penha Garcia the region's Council. Today, what still is to see is nonetheless impressive and worth recording.
Near Penha Garcia lie the historical villages of Monsanto and Idanha-a-Velha, both with castles that are worth a visit. This is the ideal place to rest your weary body and mind as you take in the view. The hot baths of Monfortinho, very nearby, are set in land that has a wide variety of animal life and they offer visitors water cures and a well-deserved rest.
Spa of Monfortinho
As old as the first curative water treatments, the Monfortinho spa offers relaxation with nature and history close by.
Located on a wind-protected plateau, the spa at Monfortinho boasts its own specific microclimate.
Do as the Romans did 2000 years ago and enjoy the therapeutic properties of the Monfortinho springs to the fullest.
Monfortinho offers hydro-treatments the whole year round.
The programmes are complete, combining physical relaxation and spiritual well-being.
When you’re not enjoying the healing waters, visit the historic village of Monsanto, one of the prettiest and best-preserved villages in Portugal.
Naturtejo Geopark
Save a few days in order to discover the Portuguese hinterland, where the River Tagus crosses the border, after a long journey from its source in Spain.
Enter the Meseta Meridional Naturtejo Geopark, formed by the municipalities of Castelo Branco, Idanha-a-Nova, Nisa, Oleiros, Proença-a-Nova and Vila Velha de Ródão, that houses 16 geo-monuments whose importance has been recognized by UNESCO. Visit them and prepare to be surprised by the impressive Portas de Ródão boulders, that compress the course of the longest river in the Iberian peninsular, or allow yourself to be enchanted by the curious formations of ichnofossils in Penha Garcia.
There’s a lot of to see in these lands that comprehend the Natural Park of Tejo international. Travel along trails perfumed by French lavender and rosemary and observe the local vegetation. Rabbits, deer and foxes lurk in the vegetation and will disappear in a blink of the eye if they note your presence. Perhaps you’ll discover the colourful bee-eaters perched on the branches of trees, or the nightingales and hoopoes that start up singing competitions. If you look up into the sky you can see black storks that stay here between February and August, or imperial eagles whose favourite perches are the crags overlooking rivers, that offer the best views over the landscape. The Geopark recommends a trail designated the “Route of the Vultures”, that will lead you to an important colony of this majestic bird, with over 154 specimens found in this zone.
The marks of the past are clearly visible. They can be found in archaeological treasures such as the complex of Rupestrian art of the River Tagus or the ruins of the lost city of Egitânia. Visit the historic villages of Monsanto and Idanha-a-Velha and the churches which receive busy pilgrimages every year.
Why not combine all this with a little bit of exercise? There’s a wide range of activities, including walking, horseriding and all-terrain bike rides, together with mountain climbing and canoeing. Restore your energies by breathing in some fresh air and the countryside aromas as you find refreshment in the riverside beaches, or take a break in the thermal spas in Monfortinho or Nisa.
The great wealth of this region is the local people. Extremely hospitable, they adore playing host to travellers as they offer delicious titbits. Try some cheeses with an intense aroma, or some kid or freshwater fish prepared using recipes handed down from generation to generation. Admire the locals’ skilful work in genuine items - such as embroidery from Castelo Branco or pottery from Nisa. Take a souvenir with you and remember one of the region’s popular sayings, “He who visits, always comes back”. Visit us and also return again!
More information: http://www.naturtejo.com/
