Castelo Branco (meaning "white castle") spreads over the eastern slope of a small hill rising from a vast plateau. In 1851, the town was thus described by Alexandre Herculano: «The Beira Baixa, when one looks round, looks like a plain, and on its middle rises the hill of Castelo Branco, whose eastern slope the town brightens.» The situation endowed Castelo Branco with all the features of a fortress town and, for centuries, determined its purposes and duties. Its defensive function is witnessed by the Castle, erected in a good strategic position, from where, in a clear day, can be seen the entire upper course of the River Tagus, right up to the border.

Monuments

Garden of the Palace
The Garden of the Episcopal Palace of Castelo Branco is one of the most original units of the baroque in Portugal.  In special in what respects to the statuaries: to the symbolic aspects and at disposal of his elements in thematic journeys. 
This beautiful baroque garden, in rectangular form, is dominated by counters and terraces with guards of iron and balusters of would sing.  It arranges of five lakes, with embroidered worked, in which are mounted games of water.  In the intermediate landing of the Flight of stairs of the Kings find itself fountains and games of surprising water.

Gastronomy

The regional gastronomy of Beira Baixa has long been appreciated for its abundance and variety. It is closely linked to the region's history and to the customs of the people, who were once limited by the geographical location and the agricultural resources of the land. Cattle breeding and subsistence agriculture were the main sources of alimentary goods, and all nourishment relied on traditional, homemade food.

Handicraft

‘The bedspreads from Castelo Branco, of oriental inspiration, have been known at least since the middle of the 16th century.  Similar to the bedspreads from Toledo and Guadalupe, these have for centuries been a key piece in any bride’s trousseau, either plebeian or noble. These bedspreads are made of linen and embroidered in silk thread, and their decorative elements carry a unique symbolism.