Castelo Branco Overview

The capital of the Beira Baixa province, Castelo Branco (literally “White Castle”) is the largest city for miles, but it is more a transportation hub and a base for daytrips than a tourist destination itself. Nevertheless, in its 700 years, the city has managed to create several worthwhile historical sites. The most popular are the castle ruins, of which there are just enough left to determine that the castle was not, in fact, white. It is a steep 10min. climb from the center to the ruins, but visitors are free to climb the 15th-century walls and towers for a spectacular view of the surrounding towns (and countries, on a clear day). The nearby Miradouro de St. Gens offers magnificent views as well. Down in the city, the highlight is the Jardim do Paco, formerly the gardens of the Bishop’s estate, now speckled with small allegorical statues, including Death and Hell in the far corners of the main garden. (☎272 34 05 00. Open daily 9am-5:30pm. €2.)

Residencial Arraiana , Av. 1 de Maio, 18, has sparsely decorated, average-sized rooms, with small, clean private bath, TV, A/C, balconies in some rooms, and even a mini-bar. From the tourist office, go left on Al. da Liberdade and continue straight as it becomes Av. 1 de Maio. (☎272 34 16 34, ext. 7. Breakfast included. Singles €25, doubles €40, triples €50. AmEx/MC/V.) For a cheaper stay, go to Residencial “A Floresta” , R. Cadetes de Toledo, 10, around the corner from the tourist office and down a ramp from Av. Nuno Alvares, has served traditional Portuguese favorites for 25 years. (☎272 34 42 46. Entrees €4-14. Open daily 7am-midnight. AmEx/MC/V.) For groceries, hit Pingo Doce, Av. 1 de Maio, 60. (Open daily 8:30am-9pm.)

Rede Expressos buses, R. Rod. Rebelo, are just down the street from the central square. Buses run to: Coimbra (2¼hr.; 6:30, 7:30am, 2:30pm; €12.30); Elvas via Lisboa or Estremoz. (5hr.; M-Sa 10:45am, 2:15pm, Su 10:45am, 2:15 pm, 6pm; €17.50); Guarda (2hr.; M-Sa 8 per day 8am-9:34pm, Su 9am-9:34pm; €9.20); Lisboa (3hr., 8 per day 5am-6:36pm, €12); Porto (4hr., 8 per day 6:30am-4:47pm, €15.80). Taxis (☎272 341 539) are on Av. Nuno Alvares, around the corner from the tourist office. Castelo Branco’s backbone is a street with several names: the Alameda da Liberdade runs the length of the main square, Praça do Município, and then becomes Avenue 1 de Maio as it leaves the town center. The corner of the square, in front of the municipal building, marks the point of departure for the hike to the hilltop castle. In the other direction, Al. de Liberdade becomes Rue das Olarias and runs past the cathedral to Largo da Sé, then to the Jardim do Paco.

The tourist office is in a kiosk on the top level of the main square just off of Al. da Liberdade. From the bus station, exit toward the tunnel across the street, take a right onto R. do Saibreiro, take your first left, walk a block, and turn right onto R. S. da Piedade; the office is at the end on the right, across from the white rocks that spell out Castelo Branco. Its multilingual staff provides short-term luggage storage. (☎272 33 03 39. Open M-F 9:30am-7:30pm, Sa-Su 9:30am-1pm and 2:30-6pm.) Banks and 24hr. ATMs line Al. da Liberdade; for currency exchange, go to Millennium BCP, Al. da Liberdade, 19. (☎707 50 24 24. Open M-F 8:30am-3pm.) Farmácia Nuno Alvares is on Av. 1 de Maio, 83. (☎272 34 14 45; www.farmacianunoalvares.com. Open M-Th 8:30am-7:30pm, F open 24hr. Weekend pharmacy opening schedules available.) The Hospital Amato Lusitano (☎272 00 02 72) is on R. da Granja. The police (☎272 34 06 22), R. de S. Jorge, are next to the government building at the corner of the main square. Internet access at Cyber Centro, Pça Municipio, through the courtyard of the yellow building on Av. G. H. Delgado, the street parallel to Al. da Liberdade on the other side of the square. (☎272 34 87 90. Open M-F 9am-11pm. Students €0.70 per hr., others €1.) The post office, R. da Se, €30/32, is across from the cathedral. (☎272 34 00 30. Open M-F 8:30am-6:30pm, Sa 9am-12:30pm.) Postal Code: 6000.