R E S I L I E N C E

They can be very small dots in the world map, but it was thanks to them that the fate of a country was changed.

They can be very small dots in the world map, but it was thanks to them that the fate of a country was changed. Strategically placed next to the Spanish border, the Historical Villages of Portugal are the work result of many generations of Kings who were concerned about territorial defence and decided to populate and fortify the area. They are the living proof of the importance of resilience.

This mission was carried out especially by King Afonso I, who created the County of Portugal, and by D. Dinis, the King who signed the treaty which would establish the final border with Spain. Nowadays, this is the oldest border in Europe and there were many rulers who built castles and walls, granted charters and gave privileges to those who would establish themselves in these areas. Because if no one lived in a place where so many battles were fought, it would have been easier for the enemy to conquer it. People saw each victory as a miracle, so they quickly built chapels or churches. For each event, a legend was created and this gave a magical feeling to the Portuguese Beira (border). And so, century after century, our heritage was built, destroyed and then built again. Nowadays, it still echoes the entire History of Portugal.

Discover it in Almeida, Belmonte, Castelo Mendo, Castelo Novo, Castelo Rodrigo, Idanha-a-Velha, Linhares da Beira, Marialva, Monsanto, Piódão, Sortelha and Trancoso.