Casa da Ínsua and Igreja da Misericórdia are regarded as Penalva Do Castelo’s two outstanding cultural and historical landmarks. Casa da Ínsua brings a particular period to life: the Baroque manor house was commissioned in the second half of the 18th century, around 1780, by Luís de Albuquerque de Mello Pereira e Cáceres. Its historic gardens include a French garden and an English garden. At 40 hectares, they form a chapter of their own alongside the architecture of the house.

Cultural heritage from prehistory to the Baroque period

The museums also tell different parts of the story. The Núcleo Museológico da Casa da Ínsua explores 18th-century Portuguese-Brazilian relations, particularly the work of Luís de Albuquerque de Mello Pereira e Cáceres. The Núcleo Museológico da Misericórdia de Penalva do Castelo preserves unique works of sacred art and commemorates around four centuries of the Santa Casa’s work in the municipality. Thus, alongside buildings, historical connections and religious community life take centre stage.

Other landmarks reflect different periods and themes. The Mosteiro de Santo Sepulcro in Trancoselos was the first monastery built in Portugal by the Order of the Holy Sepulchre. In Castelo de Penalva, a Roman bridge crosses the Rio Dão. Esmolfe is home to the prehistoric Anta do Penedo de Com; anthropomorphic tombs are also part of the area’s cultural heritage. These places cannot be reduced to a single architectural style or period: the manor house, monastery, bridge and prehistoric monument each offer a different perspective on the municipality’s history.

The Rio Dão, vineyards and trails through the landscape

The Rio Dão flows for 21 kilometres through Penalva Do Castelo. Its valley is considered an area of great biodiversity and offers direct contact with nature. The Açude dos Cantos is also located by the river, a peaceful spot with diverse fauna and flora. The river valley also shapes the view of winegrowing: Penalva Do Castelo lies in the northern part of the Dão wine region, in the Castendo sub-region. On the slopes irrigated by the Rio Dão, climatic conditions and the nature of the soils make grape growing possible.

The Trilho de Castendo starts in the centre of Penalva Do Castelo, next to the pillory. Along the way, the trail passes through oak forests, farmland, chestnut groves, vineyards and pine forests. Woods and cultivated landscapes alike shape the experience of this route. Those interested in different types of scenery will find it a practical complement to exploring the area’s cultural and historical heritage.

Apples and bread as local traditions

The Maçã Bravo de Esmolfe is said to have originated in the village of Esmolfe around 200 years ago. Its flesh is soft, juicy and sweet, with an intense, distinctive aroma. Harvesting begins in the second half of September, and the variety can be kept refrigerated for four to five months. Its origin, flavour and harvest time each connect the apple to the region in a different way: to the village of Esmolfe, the fruit’s qualities and the cycle of the year.

Another insight into local food culture awaits in Sangemil. The Núcleo Museológico de Sangemil is on the second floor of the communal oven and documents the breadmaking process. During a visit, you can watch bread being made by hand and taste it; confirm the visiting arrangements in advance. Together with the story of the Maçã Bravo de Esmolfe, bread brings local heritage to life through agricultural and everyday traditions.

Discover more destinations: Póvoa de Varzim, Moreira, Luzim, Vila Nova De Gaia, São Cosme, Paredes, Lavra, Paços De Ferreira

For the broader travel overview: Porto.