Penela: Castles, Churches and Trails

Penela combines medieval buildings with excursions in a varied surrounding area. Castelo de Penela, historic churches, Roman heritage and trails through the landscape give your trip different focal points. If you are looking for a holiday apartment or other accommodation, you can therefore first decide whether you mainly want to experience culture, go hiking or combine both interests.

Castelo de Penela and its churches

Castelo de Penela is a medieval fortress with origins in the 11th century and has been classified as a National Monument since 1910. Its roughly triangular layout and three entrance gates also make the complex interesting from an architectural perspective. The walls offer views of the Serra da Lousã. A visit therefore combines historical orientation with an impression of the landscape, without the fortress having to be viewed solely through the lens of its military past.

Inside Castelo de Penela is the Igreja Matriz de São Miguel. The church is designed in the Renaissance style and houses an image of the Madonna and Child by João de Ruão, created in 1530. The Igreja Matriz de Santa Eufémia is also a National Monument; its current structure dates from the 16th century. Three naves, separated by arcades in the Tuscan order, define its interior. The historical picture of the churches is completed by the Igreja da Misericórdia, founded in 1559 by a decree of D. Sebastião. Its main portal combines elements of the Manueline, Renaissance and Mannerist styles. The medieval Pelourinho de Penela adds another visible detail to the history of the town.

Nature experiences and trails in the surrounding area

The Cascata da Pedra Ferida is located in the surrounding area. The waterfall is more than 20 metres high and carries water all year round. A linear trail connects it with Praia Fluvial da Louçainha. Anyone who wants to include nature experiences and physical activity in their travel plans can put this trail down as a separate excursion. For a different way of travelling through the area, the Portuguese Central Way of Saint James crosses the municipality of Penela in the Rabaçal area. One section can be completed on foot or by bicycle.

The PR1 Rota do Rebanho also offers its own hiking focus. The circular hiking route begins and ends in Ferraria de São João. The full PR1 route reaches the rocky ridge of Serra de São João and offers views in all directions. When planning your day, you can therefore distinguish between the circular route starting and ending in Ferraria de São João and the full route leading to the rocky ridge.

Roman history and regional traditions

The archaeological site of Villa Romana do Rabaçal in the surrounding area can only be visited by prior appointment and accompanied by a museum technician. Parque das Águas Romanas offers visitors a Roman village and a Roman football pitch. These two attractions place different emphases within the theme of the Roman past.

The Feira Medieval de Penela was held for the first time in 1994 and offers historical re-enactments. It also includes a market with regional and local products. Information resources and a working environment are provided for studies of local and regional history, both for the academic community and the general public. This means that Penela can be discovered not only through individual sights, but also through history, historical representation and regional products.

Which accommodation suits your travel plans

A holiday apartment in Penela is a suitable option if the town’s buildings are to be the focus of your trip. If you also plan to visit the nearby water, hiking and route attractions, your choice of accommodation should suit your preferred daily rhythm. Culture enthusiasts can focus on the Castelo, churches and Pelourinho; active travellers can supplement these visits with the trails around Cascata da Pedra Ferida, the Central Way of Saint James or the PR1. For further guidance on nearby destinations, you can also visit Rabaçal and São Miguel.

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