Uncrowded Portuguese village is so well-preserved it's 'unchanged from the Renaissance'

Portugal’s sun-soaked coast is well-known all over the world for its famous holiday hotspots, great surfing conditions and overall traditional beauty.

However, there’s a lesser-known, ancient Portuguese village that is landlocked and transports its visitors way back in time.

Sortelha is one of the best-preserved medieval villages in Portugal and part of the Historic Villages of Portugal, a group of 12 villages classified under a 1991 government program called the Historic Villages Program.

According to the program’s official website, Sortelha, which was built upon a granite massif near Serra de Opa, remains “unchanged from the Renaissance to the present day. “

The group added: “Visiting the streets and alleys, enclosed by a defensive wall, and guarded by a towering castle from the 13th century, allows visitors to travel to distant centuries, walk among the medieval tombs, next to the Manueline pillory and in front of the Renaissance church.”

And that's no surprise, as this charming corner of the world is dominated by the imposing Sortelha Castle, dating back to the 12th century.

The castle offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and is a key historical landmark, alongside the village’s impressive stone gates, including the Porta da Vila and Porta Nova, which are fine examples of medieval defensive architecture.

Similarly, the Manueline Pelourinho, located in the village square, is a symbol of municipal authority and a common feature in Portuguese medieval villages and towns.

A Pelourinho, also known as a pillory, is typically a column or pillar, often made of stone, erected in a public space such as a town square as a symbol of municipal authority and local governance.

It mainly represented the town's autonomy and the power of the local officials to administer justice.

The Church of São João, though small, is a charming local landmark that dates back to the 14th century and features beautiful frescoes and well-preserved architecture.

Beyond its timeless streets, Sortelha is nestled in the Serra da Malcata mountains, providing breathtaking views from its elevated position, which offers a landscape of its surrounding countryside.

The village is close to natural parks such as Serra da Estrela and Serra da Malcata, perfect for hiking, wildlife watching, and enjoying the great outdoors.