Castelo Branco

Castelo Branco, translating to "White Castle", is a sizable city in the Beira Baixa region. It functions as a key administrative and cultural center, successfully balancing its Templar history with deep local artistry and the natural setting of inland Portugal.

The city's past is shaped by the presence of the Templar Knights, who built the original castle in the 12th century. Its remnants still sit atop the hill, providing sweeping views of the surrounding area. Yet, its most renowned treasure is the Garden of the Episcopal Palace, a splendid and notable example of Baroque gardening in the country. Created in the 18th century by the bishops, this green space is famous for its ornate fountains and allegorical statues, arranged along staircases and paths bordered by meticulously sculpted boxwood hedges.

The city is also celebrated for its most famed craft tradition: the Castelo Branco Embroidery. This highly specialized needlework, featuring unique silk patterns on linen that depict symbolic elements like the Tree of Life, birds, and flowers, gives the city a recognizable artistic heritage. With local museums dedicated to both historic art and contemporary culture, Castelo Branco harmoniously joins its historical gravity with a sustained focus on regional creativity.