Sortelha, Medieval administrative parish in Sabugal, Portugal.
Sortelha is a medieval parish in Sabugal standing on granite outcrops, surrounded by defensive walls built in the 13th century. The main street, Rua Direita, connects the eastern and western gates while providing access to key monuments and traditional stone buildings throughout the settlement.
King Sancho II ordered the construction of this settlement's castle in 1228 and granted a charter establishing it as a strategic border settlement. This royal foundation shaped the settlement's structure and role in the region for centuries to follow.
The narrow streets display stonemasons' marks carved into blocks from the 13th century, revealing a payment system where craftspeople earned based on completed pieces rather than daily labor. These inscriptions reflect how medieval communities organized their building work.
Walking is the best way to explore, as steep stairs and narrow lanes make vehicle access impractical throughout the settlement. Good footwear is recommended since the granite surfaces can become slippery, especially after rain.
The granite formations surrounding this settlement were shaped by natural erosion over time, creating distinct figures and faces within the landscape of central Portugal. These stone formations are a rare geographic feature that may have influenced the medieval selection of this hilltop location.
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