Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
BEIRA BAIXA
Beira Baixa closely resembles the neighbouring Alentejo, with hospitable locals, fierce
summer heat and rolling plains stretching to the horizon. It's also home to sprawling agri-
cultural estates, humble farming hamlets and several stunning fortress towns that for cen-
turies guarded the vulnerable plains from Spanish aggression.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Castelo Branco
POP 35,242
Sweltering Castelo Branco isn't Portugal's most charming provincial capital but makes a
good jumping-off point for outlying attractions such as Monsanto and Idanha-a-Velha. The
best reasons to visit nowadays are the town's excellent museum and gardens. Still, there are
some charming medieval streets clustered in the centre, and the town's modern develop-
ment includes an attractive series of tree-lined squares and boulevards.
From the bus station, turn right down Rua do Saibreiro to central Alameda da Liberdade.
From the train station the Alameda is 500m north on Avenida Nuno Álvares.
Sights
Paço Episcopal
(
www.ipmuseus.pt
; Largo Dr José Lopes Dias; adult/under 14yr/student €2/free/1; 10am-5.30pm Tue-Sun Oct-Apr,
10am-7pm Tue-Sun May-Sep)
The bishop's palace, in the north of town, is a sober 18th-century
affair housing the
Museu de Francisco Tavares Proença Júnior
. Downstairs, the centrepiece is an
excellent display of local archaeological finds. If you're a fan of embroidery you'll also
love the upstairs exhibition of Castelo Branco's famous
colchas
: silk-embroidered linen
bedspreads and coverlets inspired by fabrics brought back by Portuguese explorers. There's
a stunning collection of Asian originals, plus an area where you can watch artists at work
(weekdays only).
MUSEUM
Jardim do Paço Episcopal
(Rua Bartolomeu da Costa; admission €2; 9am-5pm Oct-Apr, 9am-7pm May-Sep)
This delightful, unusual
retreat next to the museum is the garden of the bishop's palace, a baroque whimsy of
GARDEN
