Portel Things to Do

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With a very important role in our history, this castle was abandoned and fell in ruins.

In 1910 it was officially declared a national monument, but that didn't help and degradation continued. Finally, in 1999, it was recovered with traditional techniques.

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A fine example of military architecture, the castle was rebuilt by the architect Francisco de Arruda 16C. It has the shape of an irregular octagon. The keep was begun in the 14C and completed in the 16C and has large vaulted Gothic rooms.classified as a national monument, as a public parking and a a lovely pedestrian acess.

17th 18th century
Built next to the "old town" wall in the same place where the chapel of Sao Romao stood, the church of Misericordia is an excelent example of 17th century Baroque architecture. Its inteior is distinguished by the unitary space, the altar-piece in Baroque gilded wood carving and the 18th century Rococo-style rostrum of the board members of the Misericórdia.

16th 18th century
The Albergaria do Espirito Santo (Holy Spirit Guest-house), with the church annexe, was founded in the second half of the 13th century and became te royal hospital in the 17th century, under the administration of the Misericordia de Portel. Among the features of the church, reconstructed in the 16th century are the ribbed vaulting which covers the single nave, from the 17th century, and the Baroque and Rococo altar-piece.

this street of Forças Armadas means, the street from the army forces.Its one of the street you have to go if heading the castle if comming from Sao Pedro or the west part of town. You have several interesting building like this one on the picture which give a very nice ambiance to the street. It gives a different look to the town making it look a little bit bigger than actually is. On this street you have several banks and shops.

18th 20th century church. In February 2004 still have the ugly lights from last christmas which at least aren't switched on, hehehe.
This church was constructed between 1754 and 1766, replaced the earlier parish church of the medieval period, situated in the walled town.
In the following centuries, it underwent interior remodelling in the nave and the prebytery. It represents a unified space, with semicircular vault roofing, five side altars and two pulpits. Paintings on canvas by Maria Fernanda Tosacano Rico can be seen in the chancel.