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 23 Rooms, 1 Suite, Air conditioning, Lifts, Pousada business, Terrace, Parking, Pool, Monuments nearby,
Belmonte in Beira Baixa occupies a commanding hillside topped by a ruined 14th Century castle It is known mostly as the birthplace of Pedro Alvares Cabral the celebrated Portuguese explorer who discovered Brazil in 1500. The trade with Brazil brought great wealth to Portugal until it's independence in 1822. Cabral was born in the family residence, Belmonte castle and the family vaults are in a chapel next to the church of Sao Tiago near to the castle walls.
Belmonte is also renowned as a place where many Jews gathered to avoid the worst of the Spanish Inquisition. Although many pretended to convert to Christianity until the end of the repression, they never lost their faith and Belmonte has an active Jewish community.
Approximately 2 kms to the north of the town stands the Roman Tower of Centum Cellas, a three story structure, whose purpose is not really known; some say it was a prison or a temple or perhaps the residence of an important figure. Belmonte is near to the natural park of the Serra de Estrela, which is the highest area within Portugal, a place to ski during the winter months.
The Pousada itself is approximately 1.5 kms from Belmonte (follow the Pousada signs) and is housed within the Convento de Nossa Senhora de Esperanca (Our Lady of hope), a convent that was built in the 16th Century by the Cabral family. Although falling into disrepair through the years, the convent has been carefully restored with modern facilities and opened in 2000: visitors can also see an amphitheatre in the grounds. The Pousada is an excellent location for walking, fishing, and horse riding. Local cuisine includes scrambled eggs with spicy sausage, grilled cod fish in olive oil and goat stew with bread.
Nearest Pousadas: click below
Almeida 74 km, Manteigas 29 km, Vila Pouca da Beira 97 km
Holiday with Algarve Retreats: click below to see our property portfolio
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