Sure Travel Journey Vol 5.1 Summer 2019 | Page 6

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W anderlust
Sortelh a Ca stl e
SORTELHA, PORTUGAL
It’s easy to think time has stood still in
Sortelha, where winding cobblestone
paths preserve a world of history
in one of Europe’s oldest cities. An
imposing hilltop castle stands as a
testament to Roman military might,
flanked by impregnable stone walls and
inaccessible cliffs.
Over the centuries, Sortelha has been
occupied by nomadic Germanic Visigoth
tribes, Arab conquerors and the Christian
Reconquista, along with royalty of a
bygone era. You’ll find fascinating traces
of each in the 12th century Old Town –
along with only a handful of modern-day
residents, who preserve and reenact its
medieval heritage each September with
live minstrels, sword duels, blacksmithing
and food stalls.
Located near Portugal’s eastern
border with Spain, the citadel is
surprisingly unknown to Europe’s tourist
throngs, perhaps because it lacks the
grand monuments and museums of
other, more well known destinations
(such as Lisbon, Porto or the Algarve).
Yet Sortelha is a wanderer’s dream.
This is the kind of village you explore
on foot, where expansive views of the
surrounding granite mountains embrace
you, and each step takes you further
back in time.
GO HERE WITH SURE TRAVEL:
Take in the wonders of Portugal on
CostSaver’s 16-day Highlights of Spain,
Morocco and Portugal tour from 13 to
28 April 2019. Contact your Sure Travel
consultant to plan your trip or visit
www.suretravel.co.za / call 0861 47 48 49.
06 // MAKE MEMORIES FOR LIFE