Castelo Rodrigo

On a hill above the Douro plateau, close to the Spanish border, Castelo Rodrigo is a walled village of stone houses and medieval gates. One of the historic villages of Portugal, it preserves its fortress outline and offers wide views over the surrounding countryside.

History and identity

The village grew up around its castle in the twelfth century and changed hands many times across the centuries of border warfare. Its walls, its old synagogue and its ruined palace recall a time when this was a strategic point on the road between the Douro and the Spanish plain.

What to see and do

• The castle and the old walls, with views over the plateau.
• The medieval streets, gates and stone houses.
• The church and the village’s historic remains.
• The almond blossoms in early spring.

Gastronomy and traditions

Castelo Rodrigo shares the flavours of the Douro Superior — almonds, olive oil, wine and the sturdy dishes of the border country. Its festivals keep the traditions of the high plateau.

Nearby

The village overlooks the Parque Natural do Douro Internacional, across the river in the north, and the almond country of the Douro Superior.

Visiting Castelo Rodrigo

Castelo Rodrigo is in the municipality of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, in the north-east of Portugal, reached by road. Access to the village is free; for local services, check with the municipality before your visit.

Visitor information: cm-fcr.pt.

Image credit: Castelo Rodrigo, Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, by Hugo Ferreira, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.