Penamacor: Castle, Serra da Malcata and Vila Madeiro

Penamacor Castle stands on a fortified hill between the Ceife and Taliscas streams. From a height of 573 metres, it commands the surrounding landscape. Listed as a National Monument, it is known as Castelo or Fortaleza de Penamacor. The Torre de Menagem offers views of the Serra da Malcata. Its almost square floor plan and raised entrance, which required a removable ladder, give a tangible impression of how it was built. The castle grounds also house an interpretation centre.

Architecture and history in Penamacor

The Antiga Casa da Câmara stands by the Porta da Vila. The Igreja de São Tiago is Penamacor’s parish church; its construction is dated to the 16th century or earlier. The Igreja da Misericórdia offers a different architectural style: it is designed in the Manueline style and has four side altars. These buildings reveal different forms and functions, from a structure above a town gate to a parish church and a church with its side altars.

The Convento de Santo António was founded by Capuchin friars in 1571. Inside the church, Baroque wood carvings adorn the main altar and pulpit. The church and cloister were classified as a monument of public interest on 27 March 2020. The foundation date, furnishings and protected status illustrate the building’s different historical layers.

The Pelourinho de Penamacor also has some precise details to note: the year 1565 is engraved on its capital. It is considered the only pillory in the district whose wrought-iron hooks still retain their rings. Another perspective on local history can be found at the Casa da Memória da Medicina Sefardita – Ribeiro Sanches. The museum is dedicated to Portuguese Jewish and New Christian doctors, pharmacists and other people associated with medicine; one floor is dedicated to António Nunes Ribeiro Sanches.

The Teatro Clube de Penamacor opened on 14 November 1912 with a performance of “O Morgado de Fafe em Lisboa” by Camilo Castelo Branco. The historic theatre once offered around 300 seats.

Serra da Malcata and trails through the landscape

The Serra da Malcata Nature Reserve covers 16,348 hectares, with elevations ranging from 425 to 1,078 metres. Established in 1981, the protected area is a natural habitat for the Iberian lynx and is home to around 218 vertebrate species. Its boundaries extend into the parishes of Penamacor, Meimoa and Meimão in the municipality of Penamacor, Castelo Branco District.

The Rota da Vila circular trail, PR1-PNC, starts at the Municipal Museum and leads to the “Miradouro da Casa do Ramalho” geosite and through the Municipal Forest. It also heads towards the Minas do Palão, considered evidence of lead mining in the mid-20th century. The route is ten kilometres long; the average duration is three hours and 30 minutes, and the difficulty level is easy, grade 2. Check route details, trail markings and conditions locally, as they may change.

Traditions and activities throughout the year

The Estação Náutica de Penamacor is officially recognised by Portugal’s network of nautical stations. The activities offered by tourism operators include canoeing, kayaking, pedal-boat hire and stand-up paddleboarding. Availability may vary seasonally, so it is worth checking when planning your trip.

Vila Madeiro is an annual tradition held in December. Young people from the municipality gather firewood, and after Christmas dinner, the community gathers around the fire. The logs are brought to the churchyard on 8 December and stacked there. The Madeiro is lit on the night of 23 to 24 December. If you want to plan your trip around this custom, check the programme for the year of your visit.

A culinary highlight of the wider region is Papas de carolo, a traditional sweet to try. This makes it easy to plan a stay in Penamacor around different themes: architecture and local history, a walk through the landscape, water-based activities or travel timed to coincide with Vila Madeiro.

Discover more destinations: Penamacor, Meimoa, Meimão, Aldeia de João Pires, Vila De Rei, Vila Velha de Ródão, Covilhã, Orca.

View the main travel overview: Castelo Branco.