History
CARDOSA HILL
It was on Cardosa hill, occupied by Roman colonisers, that Castelo Branco sprang up, under the name of Albi Castrum. In 1214, D. Afonso II donated this part of his territory to the Order of the Knights Templar and entrusted them with populating and defending the area. To do this, they built the castle, the heart of the new town which slowly developed. In 1285, King D. Dinis and his queen Santa Isabel spent the night here while they visited the region with a view to understanding and extending the border fortifications.
AN IMPORTANCE OF THIS PLACE
In 1771, D. José I recognised the commercial development and importance of this place when he created the diocese of Castelo Branco, giving it city status and adopting the São Miguel Church as the See, the centre of a new urban area marked by an emerging bourgeoisie who would erect their palaces and manor houses here.
Following a troubled period marred by the French Invasions, which made this area one of its theatres of war, the unveiling of the railway line at the end of the 19th Century transformed Castelo Branco into a major industrial centre for regional development, particularly in the textile sector. It still maintains this tradition today.
Castelo Branco can easily be seen in one day, and it is well worth the effort to climb the steep streets up to the Castle enclosure to take in the vastness of the surrounding landscape.
Following a troubled period marred by the French Invasions, which made this area one of its theatres of war, the unveiling of the railway line at the end of the 19th Century transformed Castelo Branco into a major industrial centre for regional development, particularly in the textile sector. It still maintains this tradition today.
Castelo Branco can easily be seen in one day, and it is well worth the effort to climb the steep streets up to the Castle enclosure to take in the vastness of the surrounding landscape.
CASTELO BRANCO A NEW CHAPTER
In 1510 D. Manuel granted Castelo Branco a New Charter, and the original document is held at the Municipal Council. The Misericórdia charitable institution was founded and some religious orders were established, including the Augustinian Friars at the Convento da Graça, and the Capuchin Friars at the Convento de Santo António.
n 1535, D. João III bestowed upon it the title of "Notable Town" and at the end of the century, the bishop of Guarda, D. Nuno de Noronha, built the Episcopal Palace intended to be used as the winter residence for the prelates. The Palace would remain as one of the town boundaries and is still today one of the city’s highlights. It is now home to the Francisco Tavares Proença Júnior Museum, which tells the story of Castelo Branco’s traditional silk bedspreads.
n 1535, D. João III bestowed upon it the title of "Notable Town" and at the end of the century, the bishop of Guarda, D. Nuno de Noronha, built the Episcopal Palace intended to be used as the winter residence for the prelates. The Palace would remain as one of the town boundaries and is still today one of the city’s highlights. It is now home to the Francisco Tavares Proença Júnior Museum, which tells the story of Castelo Branco’s traditional silk bedspreads.
How to get here
BY ROAD
Car
If you’re coming to the city of Castelo Branco by road, then you can take the train, bus or coach, or come by car.
Motorway access to Castelo Branco travelling towards Lisbon (A23 and A1) and Porto (A23, A25 and A1). Another major highway links Castelo Branco and Coimbra (A23 and IC8).
Motorway access to Castelo Branco travelling towards Lisbon (A23 and A1) and Porto (A23, A25 and A1). Another major highway links Castelo Branco and Coimbra (A23 and IC8).
Bus
Road transport companies, such as Rede Nacional de Expressos and Intercentro (Transdev), connect Castelo Branco to the entire country and to several locations in Europe.
Train
Castelo Branco has a railway station which acts as a hub for the following routes: Castelo Branco/ Lisbon, Castelo Branco/ Entroncamento /Porto, Castelo Branco/ Entroncamento/ Coimbra. Reservations can be made via the CP - Comboios de Portugal call centre (808 208 208 or +351 223 394 040).
Airport
Castelo Branco has a recently-built Airport which can be used by small and medium-sized aircraft.
What to do
GASTRONOMY
Known for its hospitality, the city is famous for its gastronomy, cheese, olive oil and sausages.
PATRIMONY
Surprise yourself with the architectural wealth of Castelo Branco and visit Paço Episcopal Garden, Embroidery Interpretation Center, Francisco Tavares Proença Júnior Museum and Cargaleiro Museum.
