PICADEIRO DEL'REY

 

TORRE DO RELÓGIO DE ALMEIRA

 

PORTA DE SÃO FRANCISCO

 

RUÍNAS DO CASTELO DE ALMEIRA

 

PORTA DE SANTO ANTÓNIO

 

PRAÇA ALTA

 

BLIBLIOTECA MUNICIPAL MARIA NATÉRCIA RUIVO

 

CÂMARA MUNICIPAL DE ALMEIDA

 

QUARTEL DAS ESQUADRAS

 

CONSERVATÓRIA DO REGISTO CIVIL E PREDIAL

 

ORATÓRIO DA PRAÇA DR.CASIMIRO MATIAS

 

ROTEIRO (PELA ESTRELA FORTIFICADA)

GUIDE (FOR THE FORTIFIED STAR)

In the outline of the horizon, the chain of the fortress wall appears. The bastion represents a symbol that is always present in the memory of the people of Portugal. In a municipality where the plateau joins heaven and earth, we set out to discover the land of the people of the ray in a great soul until Almeida ...

From an early age, Almeida's strategic situation served as a backdrop for the settlement of the population through all the vicissitudes of history. The territory of the municipality is divided between the plains and the depths of the Côa river valley. The traces of human occupation are lost in prehistory. However, the greater visibility of testimonies is marked by an unavoidable fact: the strategic location of the place. It is inevitable to take a historical approach to the toponym “Almeida” without going through Muslim references. For some historians, the word derives from the Arabic "al meda" or even "talameyda" which meant "table" in a clear allusion to the plateau territory of the place. For others, the word derives from "atmeidan" which would mean "field" or "horse racing place", an activity so common among the Arab people.

Almeida has always been marked by a history of consolidating territories. It has always been a point of territorial contention, but the great historical affirmation begins during the Christian Reconquest. The place should have been taken by the Moors, for the first time, by D. Fernando Magno de Castela in 1039. Without any historical doubt, it was the taking of Almeida by King D. Dinis in 1296, which includes the territories on the right bank of the Côa. The defined territory was confirmed by the Treaty of Alcanizes, having D. Manuel established the charter in 1510.

Almeida village is surrounded by a hexagonal defensive polygon of walls that are a rare example of military architecture.

The region's history remains important facts that marked the individuality of the territory and nation of Portugal.

Behind was the dynastic crisis of D. Fernando and the wars of the Restoration, with D. João IV reinforcing his defense. In the third French invasion, Massena surrounded the square in 1810. Almeida endured with courage but the explosion of a magazine demoralized the governor of Praça Costa e Almeida who ended up handing over the village. In 1811 Wellington besieged and resumed the square. During the liberal struggles, the Count of Bonfim revolted against the Cabralist ministry and took refuge in the village with other rebels, including José Estêvão. The Baron of Fonte Nova laid siege to him, making them capitulate in 1844, exiling Bonfim in Spain. It is this story that will be evident along the route divided by two routes where we will find some corners full of symbolism. Don't forget to visit Turismo, magnificently installed at the gates of S. Francisco, where you can collect precious information on places to visit: to discover.

The first part takes us to the border lands of the municipality, making a foray into Spanish territory. In the second part, we will discover a little bit of the interior of these lands on a route that connects the historic village of Castelo Mendo to Almeida. For the first route, go to the wall door next to Pousada de Almeida - Portas de São Francisco Almeida.

Set the km to zero there. The route is simple and without any difficulties in terms of the bumpy of the route.

Just after crossing the Roman bridge, in Malpartida, turn right and continue along the main road. When you get to Vale de Coelha, you are almost on Spanish territory. Just cross the ford through the Toirões stream. Although you never take much water, always be careful ... Shortly afterwards, you will enter a Spanish road that invites you to speed up ... Do not fall into temptation because there is a lot of local traffic. At the end of the route, you will drive along an agricultural road, recently paved, where the car can hardly fit… and which ends at the beautiful and old railway station of Vilar Formoso.

In the second part of the route, we are back to Almeida. But let's go first to Castelo Mendo for a visit to one of the historic villages of Beira Interior. Here, too, the memory of the Vilar Formoso Railway Station is rich. We left Vilar Formoso on the EN 16 towards Guarda and after Castelo Bom, whose visit we also advise, and after crossing the Côa river, a little further up, we find the crossing that gives us access to the locality. Castelo Mendo is an ancient village that lurks in a belt of walls facing the Côa river valley. Founded by D. Sancho II in 1239, Castelo Mendo would even have passed to the Portuguese crown, as dowry of Queen Santa Isabel, in 1282. D. Manuel I renewed its charter in 1510.

After entering, we can appreciate some preserved examples of a 16th century mansion, the Manueline pillory of cage and columns near the square of the church of S. Vicente. The main street takes us to the top of Castelo Mendo, where the old Romanesque church is located. Noteworthy is the old fair in Castelo Mendo, probably the first Portuguese fair to have a periodicity decreed by royal law.

The return route to Almeida is not difficult at all, putting the kilometers to zero at the exit of the walls.

Near the end, and after crossing the bridge over the Côa river, go up until you find the asphalt. To your left is Quinta da Barca, which you can visit, to the right you head towards Almeida. We won't leave you without first recommending good dishes… From Almeida's gastronomy, game dishes, hare or wild rabbit rice, roasted goat or the taste of some traditional sausages stand out. For the end, rice pudding, curd and pumpkin jam, sweet ball, bowl and, of course, a famous ginjinha.