Originally Castelo de Vide’s inhabitants lived within the castle’s sturdy outer walls; even now there remains a small inner village with a church, the 17th-century Igreja da Nossa Senhora da Alegria. You can take in some brilliant views from here over the town’s red roofs, surrounded by green and olive hills.

The castle, built by Dom Dinis and his brother Dom Afonso between 1280 and 1365, is topped by a 12m-high brick tower, thought to be the oldest part. Feel like royalty and catch the great views from the roof of the tower’s fine vaulted hall.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

2. Synagogue & Museum

0.07 MILES

Reopened in 2009 after being converted into a museum, the site comprises the original synagogue – two rooms (one for women and one for men), a wooden…

3. Judiaria

0.07 MILES

By the castle is a small judiaria – the former Jewish district. A sizeable community of Jews settled here in the 12th century, then larger waves came in…

4. Fonte da Vila

0.13 MILES

In a pretty square just below and east of the judiaria (Jewish quarter) is the worn-smooth 16th-century marble Fonte da Vila, with a washing area. This,…

5. Casa da Inquisição

0.15 MILES

Under construction at research, this museum will delve into the dark era of the Inquisition. It's set inside a restored 17th-century mansion.

6. Castelo

4.47 MILES

The formidable castle, built into the rock at the western end of the village, dates from the end of the 13th century, but most of what you see today was…

7. Museu Municipal

4.57 MILES

Just southeast of the castle, the Igreja de Santa Maria provides graceful surroundings for this one-room museum. Its renovated exhibition hall offers a…

8. Casa da Cultura

4.67 MILES

In a restored building, this cultural centre hosts changing exhibitions. You can also check out the rustic upstairs courtroom, dating from 1809, and there…