In the very heart of Portugal is the undiscovered ( and un-media covered ) Centro de Portugal region, stretching from the Atlantic Coast in the west to the Spanish border in the east and cutting across the country’s midsection. The region’s varied terrain—from coast to open plains to mountains—offers plenty of options for outdoor activities in all seasons. Remnants of the central role this region played in shaping the history of this country are everywhere.  Visitors can tour Roman ruins, walled villages and mighty castles and fortresses in its rural areas.  Some 12 historic villages line the eastern border. One such village is Monsanto, which, thanks to its high perch, stood against a Roman invasion in the second century.

The Centro region also has several significant cities, each showcasing an array of architectural styles in their many cathedrals and important museums. One of the most well known of Centro’s cities is Coimbra, home to Portugal’s oldest university, the nation’s first capital and its third largest city. The city of Aveiro is known for an immense lagoon, called the Ria, which sits at the center of the city. Its canals serve as the city’s streets.  The city of Guarda is Portugal’s highest town and may have been a military base for Julius Caesar.  The city of Viseu was an important crossroads for the Romans and retains a decidedly medieval feel today. It’s also the center of production for Dao wine, and for a traditional pottery.

Centro’s historic villages

Along this region’s mountainous border with Spain are a series of fortresses and castles that once protected the country from its many invaders. Over the centuries, Moors and Christians, Spaniards and Portuguese have all tried to take these villages, but their higher elevations usually gave them a distinct advantage. Here, the more than one dozen fortified frontier villages beckon today’s visitors to come explore a 900-year history--full of the heroism, epic battles and romance upon which Portugal struggled to become a nation. Each village has a fascinating tale of its own to tell. All of their valiant efforts paid off. Today Portugal boasts the longest-standing border in all of Europe.

In these rural villages, ancient rituals and religious festivals remain popular. Visitors can sample them and partake in traditional foods such as cheese, sausages and mountain honey.

In the fortress town of Almeida, a walk through the narrow cobbled streets can lead a visitor to the ruins of a once mighty 12-pointed fortress here.  One of Portugal’s many Pousadas—an historic property turned into an inn—is located in Almeida. In the town of Castelo Rodrigo, a memorial stone marks the place of a fierce battle in 1664, and visitors can view the remains of the castle, its tower and a palace here. The town has a small, Gothic church. Just near Castelo Mendo stands a beautiful bridge built by the Romans.

The frontier castles 

Most of the castles in this border region of Centro are classified as national monuments. These stone fortresses date back to the 11th, 12th and 13th centuries.  Castles or parts of castles still stand at Alfaiates, Sortelha, Vilar Maior, Sabugal, Castelo Mendo, Castelo Bom, Castelo Rodrigo, Penamacor, Monsanto, Pinhel and Almeida.  A 20-castle route has been delineated by the Portugal government (see www.visitportugal.com). Sortelha, Castelo Mendo, Castelo Rodrigo and the fortified town of Almeida are considered gems among them all.