Castelo Branco is a town in Portugal, located in the Castelo Branco district, in the Centro region, in the Beira Interior Sul subregion. The town is the seat of the commune of the same name. Castelo Branco has a hot summer Mediterranean climate. Its summers are among the hottest in Portugal, influenced by its inland location. Winters are mild with cool nights, but frosts are rare and never severe. Inland areas further south of the country have higher extremes of temperature, although averages are very similar. There is some seasonal lag in summer, as September is significantly warmer than May, despite less daylight. Winter temperatures follow the diurnal cycle more closely, as temperatures drop dramatically in the autumn months.
- Templar Castle It was built by the Templars between 1214 and 1230, with alterations during the reign of King Dinis. Fragments of the perimeter wall and the keep of the former commanders’ palace have been preserved. Inside the perimeter of the walls is the church of St. Mary of the Castle. The view from the top is impressive – it includes the city, the surrounding area and (to the far north) the Estrela and Gardunha mountain ranges.
- Church of St. Mary at the Castle Over the years, much has changed as a result of renovations. It is located in the highest part of the city, near the remains of the castle. Established by the Templars.
- The Garden of the Episcopal Palace. One of the most extraordinary Portuguese Baroque gardens and only for you would justify a visit to the city. Built in the 18th century on the initiative of the first bishop of Castelo Branco, next to the winter palace, which today houses the Junior Tavares Proença Museum. The garden is unique in its originality and elegance. Inspired by the Baroque inspiration, between its alleys of box trees there are numerous granite statues representing (among others) the four parts of the world known at that time (Europe, Asia, Africa and India), the signs of the zodiac, the stations of the year and its months. From the great lake, where the Moses Falls arrive, they destroy two monumental staircases, the Kings and the Apostles. It is worth noting that among the images of the kings of Portugal, those of the Philips of the 3rd dynasty are carved, as well as the Cardinal-King Henry (due to his Castilian sympathies) carved to a lesser extent than the others.
- Church of St. Michael. Rebuilt in the Renaissance style in the 18th century (another church had previously stood here, probably in the 14th or 17th century). It has only one nave, separated from the main chapel by a beautiful Renaissance arch, in the mount of which is the coat of arms of D. Martim Afonso de Melo, Bishop of Guarda.
- Chapel of Our Lady of Mercy. The interior walls of this church, the date of its construction of which is unknown, are covered with beautiful 18th-century ceramic tiles that depict religious themes: scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary, the Apostles, the Last Supper of Jesus, etc.
- Hermitage of Our Lady of Mercoles. A church with late Gothic features, associated with one of the most popular cults in the city, Our Lady of Mercoles. The two square turrets that surround the front, projecting from the facade and ending with a pyramidal covering, give it an interesting appearance. The interior of the nave has walls covered with 16th-century ceramic tiles.
- Museu Francisco Tavaresa Proença Juniora
Additional information. In addition to the services and trades scattered throughout the city, there is the “Castelo Branco Business Location Area (ALECB)”, which occupies 280 hectares of infrastructure, with direct access to the A23 and where more than 200 companies from the most diverse sectors of activity, such as: Refrigeration and HVAC; agri-food; electrical and electronic equipment; plastic construction products and other plastic products; Clothing and footwear; Metal structures and structures; Furniture and Mattresses; Agricultural, livestock and forestry machinery and tractors; Wood; Glass and ornamental stone processing; graphics and advertising; Services; Distribution (retail and wholesale).
