Days in the Dioceses: Get to know the Diocese of Portalegre-Castelo Branco
The Diocese of Portalegre-Castelo Branco was founded in 1549 and currently concentrates more than 222,340 inhabitants. In a territory of 9,149.44 km2 (3,532.70 square miles), this Diocese is divided into five Archpriestates and 161 parishes.
This region will be home to many pilgrims from various corners of the world during the Days in the Dioceses (DND), the week leading up to World Youth Day (WYD) Lisbon 2023, between July 26th and 31st.
The Diocese of Portalegre-Castelo Branco, reveals a vast historical and cultural heritage. From the famous Feast of Our Lady of Loreto to the Feast of Our Lady of Azenha, many visitors come to experience them.
Whoever comes to this Diocese can visit the Portas de Ródão, the Sé Catedral and the Sé CoCatedral, the Episcopal Garden in Castelo Branco, the Fluvial Beaches of Proença-a-Nova and Penha Garcia and the Orvalho Footpaths, besides several Marian Shrines.
On a gastronomic level, Portalegre-Castelo Branco is not to be left behind and offers wonders such as Maranhos, Rebuçados de Ovos, Ensopado de Borrego or Ovos Verdes.
Did you know that...?
1.
The Diocese of Portalegre-Castelo Branco has two Sees: in Portalegre, the Cathedral Church and, in Castelo Branco, the Co-Cathedral church.
2.
It is in this Diocese that you will find the village of Monsanto, considered the “most Portuguese village in Portugal”, and Castelo de Vide, often called the “Sintra of the Alentejo”)
3.
There are two typical musical instruments in the Diocese: the “adufe”, typical from Idanha-a-Nova and the “viola beiroa”, from Castelo Branco
The Days in the Dioceses (DND) is an encounter of young people from all over the world that precedes World Youth Day (WYD) Lisbon 2023 and will take place in 17 dioceses of mainland Portugal and the islands: Algarve; Angra; Aveiro; Beja; Braga; Bragança-Miranda; Coimbra; Évora; Funchal; Guarda; Lamego; Leiria-Fátima; Portalegre-Castelo Branco; Porto; Viana do Castelo; Vila Real and Viseu.
Over the coming weeks, we will be sharing more about each of these 17 dioceses.
More information about the DND and a map with the location of each diocese here.