| Penedono |
Located in south of Portugal’s picturesque Douro region, the charming village of Penedono huddles around an imposing castle of the same name.
Visitors looking for a convenient base from which to explore the surrounding wine estates can stay at the award-winning Estalagem de Penedono, a four-star inn renowned for its regal comfort and upmarket hospitality.
What to see. With its four slender crenellated towers rising aloft like plumes, the castle is as interesting for its unusual triangular plan as its extensive views from the battlement walls. Known to have existed in the 10th century, it is believed to be the birthplace of Álvaro Gonçalves Coutinho, O Magrico (The Paladin). He was immortalised for his bravery and gallantry by Portugal’s national poet, Luis Vaz de Camões, in Verse VI of The Lusiads.
Nearby. The Côa Valley Archaeological Park is an important site of prehistoric rock art, situated approximately 40 km to the northeast of Penedono. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in December 1998, the area has the largest number of surface drawings of the Palaeolithic period anywhere in the world. The rock art includes animals, humans and signs dating back to 30,000 BC. Guided tours can be arranged at the nearby visitors centre.
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