Belmonte

Belmonte is the second of the Aldeias Historicas on the Nascente, larger and more touristy than Castelo Novo. The castle is well preserved and worth visiting, and the Igreja de Santiago near the castle entrance is a fitting stop for pilgrims. Several sites relate to the town's centuries-old Jewish community — the Museu Judaico de Belmonte and a synagogue that was only opened publicly in 1996, after the community practiced in secret for nearly 500 years.

Pedro Alvares Cabral, who reached Brazil in 1500, was born here. There's a monument to him and a small museum of discovery-era artifacts.

Belmonte has accommodation, restaurants, cafes, and a supermarket.