Penela
Penela, a pretty little town, is just an hour or so north of Casa Rosden and is dominated by the walls of the ‘Moorish castle’ built by the governor of Coimbra in 1087. In the 14th century new walls were built incorperating twelve new towers, of which only four remain today. These towers provide stunning views over the town and beautiful Serra da Lousã region.
In the 16th Century the São Miguel Church was built inside the castle walls. The Tourist Office in Penela is also situated just inside the walls near the castle entrance. The castle is free to visit on most days except when the Christmas and Medieval festivals are taking place in the Castle grounds.
The ‘Medieval’ festival is held during May. This year it is on the weekend of 22nd and 23rd. Everyone dresses up in costume and there are dispalys of jousting and sword fighting. There are also acrobatic, archery and falconry displays and ‘Medieval’ food and drinks are also available!
The town of Penela, although small has many of the normal everyday amenities, including restaurants, an internet café and a cinema. There is a weekly market held every Wednesday and the area around Penela has river beaches suitable for swimming and fishing. The town is also host to a number of colorful festivals, the most famous being the Feira das Nozes ( the Walnut Festival ) which is held on 29th September and which is also ‘Penela’ Day the town’s annual holiday. Here local honey and walnuts are on sale.
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