about the place
Penalva do Castelo is a town in the District of Viseu, in the sub-region of Viseu Dão-Lafões, covering 134.34 km² and home to 7,333 inhabitants (2021), spread across 11 parishes. The name derives from the Latin penna alba, meaning 'white crag', the rocky outcrop where, according to tradition, a medieval fortress once stood on the left bank of the river Dão. Until the mid-twentieth century the town was known as Castendo, and the name Penalva do Castelo was officially adopted in 1957. The municipality lies within the demarcated Dão wine region and is the home of the Bravo de Esmolfe apple; it also produces Serra da Estrela cheese.
