Portalegre

The bustling town of Portalegre is one of the largest manufacturers of tapestries in Europe, and there is a modern and fascinating tapestry museum located in the old part of the town. The castle, which dates back to the fourteenth century, has been largely destroyed to accommodate the modern town, though parts can still be seen forming archways over streets or walls of houses. There is also a cathedral which was founded in 1556. Also in Portalegre is the Robinson cork factory and museum.
Distance from Tapada do Falcão: 8 kms

Alegrete

The small walled town of Alegrete is visible from Tapada do Falcão, and is well worth a visit. It is believed to have originated as a fortified hill town of the Iron Age and the many Roman remains that have been found indicate long Roman occupation. Although the castle is in ruins you can still see the medieval battlements, ramparts and tower, and Gothic doorways. The town itself is a network of steep narrow streets.
Distance from Tapada do Falcão: 5 kms

Castelo de Vide
Castelo de Vide was a border defence post for centuries, as its old walled town and ruined castle suggest, and was first fortified by the Romans. The pretty, narrow cobbled streets are good to explore and in the old Jewish quarter you will come upon an ancient synagogue. The Senhora da Penha Chapel, on the mountain peak opposite the town, is worth a visit. In addition there are many shops, bustling bars and restaurants.
Distance from Tapada do Falcão: 20 kms

Marvão

Marvão sits 1000 metres above the plain, on a mountain top with sheer precipice all around. It is totally walled and its 13th century castle is at the tip of the pinnacle. The far reaching views in every direction are simply spectacular. In the 1960s emigration emptied the town of most its inhabitants. To prevent an international tourist resort company from buying the town outright and destroying it, Portuguese artists and writers started to buy up the old houses themselves. Many of these houses have been carefully restored and the town remains as it has been for centuries. Near Portagem, which lies at the foot of the road leading up to Marvão, is a museum and excavations of the Roman town of Ammaia.
Distance from Tapada do Falcão: 20 kms

Alter do Chão

Alter de Chão is a charming old town with a castle in the centre dating back to 1359. The town was made the royal stud farm in 1748 and it is possible to visit the stud to see the famous Lusitanian horses that originated there. Occasional dressage displays are held.
Distance from Tapada do Falcão: 30 kms

Monforte

Monforte was a Neolithic hill town that was taken over by the Romans so both Neolithic and Roman remains abound in the area. Nearby are the ruins of a Roman town and of a fourth century Roman/Christian basilica.
Distance from Tapada do Falcão: 20 kms

Elvas

Elvas is an ancient walled town whose approach is dominated by the 16th century aqueduct. The town’s roots that can be traced back to the Celts and Goths. It was under Moorish occupation for 500 years from 714 and repeatedly resisted attacks from Spain (in the 16th and 17th centuries) and from Napoleon’s army in 1808. Wellington used Elvas as his general headquarters during the Peninsular War. The British military cemetery is in one of the castle bastions with views over the battlefields of Badajoz and Albuera. A number of Wellington’s senior officers who were killed in these battles are buried here. It is beautifully tended by The Friends of the British Cemetery, who are mainly British people living in Spain and Portugal. There are many shops in the centre of the walled town selling linens and towels in particular. The famous Elvas plums, which are similar to greengages, also originate here.
Distance from Tapada do Falcão: 50 kms

Evora

Evora is the main city of the Alto Alentejo and was, for a time, the capital of Portugal when Lisbon was occupied by the Moors. In 1986 UNESCO declared Evora a World Heritage site because of its many beautiful and valuable monuments. The town has been important artistically, culturally and politically since the country’s history began and is well worth a visit. Included in sites to see are the Roman Temple, the ancient University, the Old and New Castles, the Cathedral, the Regional Museum and various churches, including the gruesome Chapel of Bones in the São Francisco Church. There are numerous squares in which to sit and good restaurants and shops abound.
Distance from Tapada do Falcão: 90 kms

Vila Viçosa

This pretty town, with streets lined with orange trees, contains the fine Ducal palace of the Dukes of Braganza, who rose to the Portuguese throne in 1640 and stayed until the foundation of the republic in 1910. There is also a very impressive Pousada in the old convent next to the palace, good for dining, and the old castle and Royal hunting grounds.
Distance from Tapada do Falcão: 50 kms

Estremoz

Estremoz is a totally walled town with white buildings surrounding its impressive castle and towers on a very high hill. Many of the older buildings are clad in marble, which is quarried nearby. Visit the Castle and Royal Palace and the Archaeological and Ethnological Museum. There is a weekly Saturday market in the Rossio, a large square surrounded by 17th century ramparts in the lower part of town.
Distance from Tapada do Falcão: 50 kms

Spain

If you want to travel further afield the town of Merida in Spain has wonderful Roman ruins (Theatre, Amphitheatre and bridge over the Guadiana river) and is well worth a visit. Also there is Caceres, Badajoz and even further afield Trujillo from where many of the greatest conquistadors came.