Hiking in Historical Village of Castelo Rodrigo (Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo), Hiking, Trekking, Walking Trails, Tracks, Pedestrian Routes, Portugal

The Historical Village of Castelo Rodrigo welcomed us on a very rainy day. If the day before we explored the beautiful village of Almeida, today we would head further north to find another Historical Village. From Almeida to Castelo Rodrigo it’s about a 20-minute drive, on a quiet road similar to the surrounding landscape. The total tranquility in this region of Beira Alta was only affected by the immense rain that fell from the sky.
The asphalt becomes a sidewalk road that leads us to the village gates. We parked outside the walled area and started the walk with our umbrellas ready.

Entering Castelo Rodrigo is entering into another time, a remote era of other experiences and culture. Traversing its narrow streets is discovering a living monument, pieces of the history of an entire region.

The region is rich in almond production and, just at the entrance, a friendly girl offer us some almonds to taste. Almonds for all tastes, toasted with sugar or herbs, the choice was varied. We didn’t resist and we bought some while we drank a hot coffee listening to the rain outside wetting the cobblestones.
Entering Castelo Rodrigo is entering into another time, a remote era of other experiences and culture. Traversing its narrow streets is discovering a living monument, pieces of the history of an entire region.

We went up “Rua do Relógio” and explored the ruins of the Castle, whose walls are classified as National Monument. In the small stone houses we discovered Manueline windows and in other, cruciform figures indicating the presence of jews in this region.
The clock tower and the Cristóvão de Moura Palace are located at the top of the hill with a privileged view to the surrounding area. The Palace was built by Cristóvão de Moura, the son of a village mayor and a prominent figure in the administration of Portugal during the philippine dynasty. With the Portuguese Independence Restoration, the palace was burned down by the population and no longer restored. This symbol of Spanish oppression is now in ruins, delivered to its fate.
We continue the walk and we find the Mother Church, one of the oldest buildings of the village, from the 13th century and dedicated to Our Lady of “Rocamador”. It was built to support the pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. In the vicinity of this, the 16th century pillory ennobles the square where it was erected.
We went down to “Rua da Cadeia” and later we find the medieval cistern, with 13m deep, which is believed to have been an old synagogue, a part dedicated to worship and another to liturgical baths, which was destroyed during the expulsion of the jews by D. Manuel I.
All this historical heritage of the village, which for more than 600 years was the county seat, is undoubtedly one of the great reasons for an attentive and prolonged visit to this region. But ours was coming to an end. Among the raindrops we would have to leave, this time to discover Castelo Bom village, despite not classified as an Historical Village of Portugal, it is worth visiting.