If you enjoy beautiful gardens and fine embroidery, then you must plan a visit to Castelo Branco when you travel to Europe. Castelo Branco is the capital of the Beira Baixia region of Portugal and is only 18 kilometers from the border dividing Portugal and Spain. The city is a good place to begin your tour of the Centro region of Portugal. Rebuilt by the Templars in the 13th century, fragments of the historic medieval white castle are still visible today. At present, the castle has been transformed into a museum of sacred art and ancient artifacts.

For over three centuries, Castelo Branco has been famous for its colchas or embroidered bedspreads. Local women embroider the colchas by hand, and their designs are inspired by nature and local folklore. These masterpieces of embroidery delight lovers of fine craftsmanship and command a high price in the market.

A remarkable collection of 16th century colchas is also exhibited in the castle’s museum.

The Episcopal garden is Portugal’s loveliest baroque garden. It is also the one of the most important and popular tourist attraction in Castelo Branco. Situated beside the Bishop’s castle, the garden was built and designed in the middle of the 18th century.

The garden is a magnificent creation with ponds, staircases, and terraces embellished with small granite baroque statues depicting archangels, animals, kings, zodiac signs and allegorical art. Lovely fountains, intricately designed flower beds, beautifully kept hedges, and finely manicured orange trees are also found within the garden.

The splendid vista overlooking the Spanish border and the hills of Gardunha and Targus River can be viewed from the castle. One can also see how the city has developed and modernized while preserving its medieval feel.

The cityscape features wide avenues, such as the Alameda da Liberdade, and huge town squares, such as the Sao Joao Square, where the religious cross and buildings built during the 16th century can be seen.

Castelo Branco also features a 16th century town hall. Townhouses built from the 16th to the 18th century can also be found enveloping the Praça Luis de Camoes. The popular Monsanto Village is also just a short car ride to the northeast of Castelo Branco. In any tour of Portugal, Castelo Branco is a must place to visit for garden lovers and embroidery enthusiasts.