À volta do castelo e Villa de Basto

The "Around the Castle and 'Villa de Basto'" trail is the first marked hiking trail in Celorico de Basto. It is a short, circular route (PR1) that spans 11 kilometers and consists of two loops. The trail starts and ends in the village of Castelo (Arnoia), formerly known as "Villa de Basto," which served as the seat of the municipality of Celorico de Basto until 1719. Here and at the Interpretive Center, located in the village’s former elementary school, visitors can find information about the history of Castelo and “Villa de Basto.” The route that defines the first loop, along forest trails and spanning 4,250 meters, takes us from the village of Castelo to the hill of Calvelo, at the top of which stands a small chapel. From this vantage point, we are invited to observe Arnoia Castle in relation to the village and the surrounding landscape it overlooks. The castle occupies a strategic location, not so much in terms of territorial defense, but as a landmark in a geography undergoing reorganization, with the entire Basto region as its backdrop. It witnessed the emergence at its feet of a settlement that history has left as a testament to bygone times—the “Villa de Basto.” The return route follows the contour of the Calvelo hill until reaching the forest path we took earlier. Upon reaching the junction leading to Fervença, we recommend taking the path to the right, which leads to the Castle, south of the route previously taken, and brings us back to the starting point.The route that defines the second loop is more challenging and slightly longer—6,750 meters. Right at the start, and after passing south of the Arnoia Castle Interpretive Center, a steep descent takes us to the bottom of the valley, dominated by vineyards, passing by Casa de Sequeiros, a 19th-century manor house with an imposing chapel.After crossing a small stream, a steep climb leads to the Penícia viewpoint. Once there, a mandatory stop, not only to regain your strength but, above all, to admire the castle once more. From this vantage point, you can appreciate the almost inaccessible nature of its location, given the steep slope of the site where it stands. The view from this viewpoint is breathtaking—the carved-out valley, the farmland, the rural buildings, and, high above, the imposing Arnoia Castle.After this point, having overcome the route’s greatest difficulty, the return to the castle village proceeds without major difficulties. Of particular note is the stretch of traditional cobblestone pavement before reaching the village of Chelo.The final stretch of this route leads to the village and the castle hilltop. An invitation to climb to the top of the keep to take in the surrounding area and a breathtaking landscape.