Sortelha

Sortelha is one of the most complete medieval villages in Portugal. Its granite houses, its walls and gates and its castle have survived almost unchanged on a hillside in the Beira Interior, and walking through its streets feels like stepping into another century.

A medieval village inside its walls

The village grew up around its castle in the thirteenth century, on the border between the kingdoms, and kept its medieval layout as it declined in later centuries. It is now one of the historic villages of Portugal, protected and restored, with its walls, gates and pillory still standing.

What to see

• The walls and the medieval gates, which still close the village.
• The castle, at the highest point of the village.
• The granite houses and the Renaissance pillory.
• Views over the surrounding plateau and the Serra da Estrela.

Visiting Sortelha

Sortelha is in the municipality of Sabugal, in the Beira Interior. Access to the village is free; for the castle and local services, check with the municipality before your visit.

Visitor information: cm-sabugal.pt.

Image credit: Sortelha, Sabugal, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons.