The Iberian Peninsula is full of natural enclaves, historical sites and unique destinations waiting to be visited. The territory has gathered different civilizations over the centuries, which have left in their wake a multitude of buildings and cities that still endure over time.
Our neighboring country, Portugal, is an example of this. For years, the territory has been evolving and adapting to new times without losing sight of its roots. It has thus preserved a great variety of villages full of charm and history, making it a perfect option for a last-minute getaway.
Despite this, finding a destination is not always an easy task: the large number of options can, in many cases, complicate the task. So, here are five beautiful cities full of history in Portugal, perfect for a getaway.
Tomar, in Santarém
The small city of Tomar, in central Portugal, is an enclave with a long history and excellent relations with the Order of the Knights Templar. In fact, the order settled in the city for decades and the buildings of its occupation are still preserved.
One of the main buildings in Tomar is the castle, declared a national monument since the beginning of the last century and a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for over 40 years.
The urban area dates back to the Middle Ages and includes buildings arranged in a cross, representing the cardinal points, and a convent at each end. The small town is also distinguished by its gastronomy, with local products such as coffee or sweets such as almond and pumpkin queijadas or the traditional fatias of Tomar.
Alcacer do Sal, in Setubal
The city of Alcácer do Sal is one of the oldest enclaves in Europe. Founded in 1000 BC, the space — which was elevated to the status of city at the end of the 20th century — is home to remains of Neolithic, Greek and Phoenician civilizations.
In its early days, the city surrounded by the Sado River was used as a commercial port and fishing area, as well as horse breeding and other agricultural activities. In addition, the enclave was conquered by the Arabs and then reconquered by the Portuguese, while preserving architectural pieces from both cultures.
Proof of this is the castle, an Arab construction with walls that surround the enclave and a total of 31 towers. Within the enclosure is also the church of Santa María del Castillo – Igreja de Santa Maria do Castelo in Portuguese.
Batalha, in Leiria
The city of Batalha is a small Portuguese town founded by King João I in gratitude to the inhabitants for the victory in the Battle of Aljubarrota. In the same way, the monarch ordered the construction of the Monastery of Santa María da Vitória in the city at the end of the 14th century, to commemorate the feat.
The work, in Portuguese Gothic style, stands out for its excellent state of conservation, as well as for the mixture of styles and influences it presents. Its construction lasted several reigns.
Besides the monastery, the small town of Batalha has cobbled streets and quiet avenues, where you can relax and enjoy the people and the typical rural atmosphere of inland Portugal.
Marvão, in Portalegre
A few kilometers from Spain, the city of Marvão is a medieval enclave located at the highest point of the São Mamede Mountains. The enclave stands out for having been an important combat point in different military conflicts for centuries.
However, within the walls of the imposing Marvão Castle – or Castelo de Marvão in Portuguese – it is possible to enjoy narrow streets, with an almost incomparable mix of architectural styles; among which Gothic arches, Manueline windows and granite constructions are combined.
The territory also houses other buildings full of history such as the church of Santa María, converted into a museum, the church of Santiago, the Renaissance chapel of the Holy Spirit or the convent of Nuestra Señora de la Estrela.
Monsanto, in Castelo Branco
Between the foothills of the Sierra de Garduña and the Ponsul River, the village of Monsanto stands out for its cobbled houses and streets full of history. Legend has it that the population of Monsanto resisted the attacks of the Roman Empire for more than seven years.
The city was also occupied by the Muslims and then reconquered. In 1165 it was given to the Order of the Templars. His teacher in Portugal, Gualdim Pais, ordered the construction of the castle that stands on top of the hill.
The city stands out for its constructions, since the houses are completely integrated into the granite stones present on the hillside. In this way, the houses are built taking advantage of the shapes and dimensions of the rocks.
Among all the buildings, the Lucano Tower stands out, crowned by a silver rooster in commemoration of the contest held in 1938, in which Monsanto was named “the most Portuguese village in all of Portugal” for the authenticity of its culture and its people and streets.
