Monuments

Built in the 13th century within the castle walls, the Church of Santa Maria (St. Mary) was the first mother church in Castelo Branco. Through to the 14th century, it hosted meetings between the leading townsfolk and the monastic-military authorities.

First damaged in 1640 during the Campaign for the Restoration of Portuguese Independence against Castile, there was then a fire in 1704. Finally, in the French Invasion led by general Junot, in which Castelo Branco bore the brunt of an attack, it was destroyed. It was completely rebuilt in the 19th century.

On the North lateral façade, the bare wall was part of a primitive Romanesque church. On the interior, there is a single nave featuring some old tombstones including the final resting place of 16th century, locally born poet, João Rois.