Monuments

The castle of Vila Maior was probably built in 1232, on the orders of D. Afonso IX of León. It became part of Portugal in 1297, as a result of the Treaty of Alcanices. It was granted a charter in 1296, and on the date of its renewal in 1510, the castle was ringed by two walls. Vila Maior is a typical Romano-Gothic hill fortress, with an irregular oval design and square dojon.

From the plateau where the castle stands it is easy to see the fortress of Guarda, which once protected the highest town in the country.