Crowned by the medieval castle, the village of Belmonte stands out for the beauty of its landscapes and monuments, the richness of its history and resources, by its fabulous strategic position, made her dominating, since immemorial times, territories and communication paths.
The oldest traces date back to the Late Neolithic/ Chacolithic, where stands out the dolmen of Caria. On the other hand the village of Chandeirinha and S. Geraldo, are places that mark the human presence during the Bronza Age / Iron age.
It is , however , from Roman times the most significant vestiges, among which villa aqinta da Fornea and Centum Cellas ,places linked to the agricultural holding, mining , among other activities . In fact , the amount of imported materials discovered( amphorae, lamps, terra sigillata,etc) translates the notorious economic dynamism that the region met , which was reflected in the trade. It will not be oblivious, the fact that in Belmonte passed a Roman road that linked Merida to Braga.
D. Sancho I grant it a Charter in 1199, in order to promote its development and settlement. Later, Afonso III grants authorization to the Bishop D. Egas, Fafes, to build a Tower in Belmonte.
D. Afonso V donated the castle to Fernao Cabral I , transforming it into Cabral family residence. among the family stands out the figure of Pedro Alvares Cabral , Discoverer of Brazil who gave "New Worlds to the World".
But Belmonte also knew how to welcome people of other creeds and cultures. here there was established a Jewish Community that survived centuries and centuries , lasting even today.
History , heritage and traditions are published in 6 Museum spaces existing in Belmonte ; Museum of the castle of Belmonte, Church of Santiago / Pantheon of the Cabrais ( interpretation centre of the paths of Faith or "Caminhosda Fe) , Jewish Museum , Zezere Ecomuseum , the Olive Oil Museum and Museum of Discovery.
In the municipality is also the Tower of Centum Cellas , the Roman Villa at Quinta da Fornea, Casa da Torre/ Tower House, the Ethnographic House, Casa da Roda/ Home of the wheel and the mural paintings of the chapel of the Holy spirit.
But it's not just the story of Belmonte who deserves a visit , lose yours in its nature trails, including the section of " Via da Estrela " ( Route of the Star), Caminho de Santiago de Compostela ( Saint James Path ) and the section of the GR22- AHP, experience the cuisine and wines and enjoy.
The oldest traces date back to the Late Neolithic/ Chacolithic, where stands out the dolmen of Caria. On the other hand the village of Chandeirinha and S. Geraldo, are places that mark the human presence during the Bronza Age / Iron age.
It is , however , from Roman times the most significant vestiges, among which villa aqinta da Fornea and Centum Cellas ,places linked to the agricultural holding, mining , among other activities . In fact , the amount of imported materials discovered( amphorae, lamps, terra sigillata,etc) translates the notorious economic dynamism that the region met , which was reflected in the trade. It will not be oblivious, the fact that in Belmonte passed a Roman road that linked Merida to Braga.
D. Sancho I grant it a Charter in 1199, in order to promote its development and settlement. Later, Afonso III grants authorization to the Bishop D. Egas, Fafes, to build a Tower in Belmonte.
D. Afonso V donated the castle to Fernao Cabral I , transforming it into Cabral family residence. among the family stands out the figure of Pedro Alvares Cabral , Discoverer of Brazil who gave "New Worlds to the World".
But Belmonte also knew how to welcome people of other creeds and cultures. here there was established a Jewish Community that survived centuries and centuries , lasting even today.
History , heritage and traditions are published in 6 Museum spaces existing in Belmonte ; Museum of the castle of Belmonte, Church of Santiago / Pantheon of the Cabrais ( interpretation centre of the paths of Faith or "Caminhosda Fe) , Jewish Museum , Zezere Ecomuseum , the Olive Oil Museum and Museum of Discovery.
In the municipality is also the Tower of Centum Cellas , the Roman Villa at Quinta da Fornea, Casa da Torre/ Tower House, the Ethnographic House, Casa da Roda/ Home of the wheel and the mural paintings of the chapel of the Holy spirit.
But it's not just the story of Belmonte who deserves a visit , lose yours in its nature trails, including the section of " Via da Estrela " ( Route of the Star), Caminho de Santiago de Compostela ( Saint James Path ) and the section of the GR22- AHP, experience the cuisine and wines and enjoy.
