CASTELO BRANCO

distrito (district), central Portugal. To the northwest it is dominated by the mountain blocks of Estrela (6,539 feet ) and Guardunha (4,026 feet ). Between these mountains, in the upper Zzere River valley, Cova de Beira is a rich agricultural basin watered by irrigation. The southern plateaus are poorer, rolling hills able to support only cork oak and olive groves. The district's economy also includes stock raising, growing of cereals, mining, and manufacturing. The Idanha project irrigates about 35,000 acres (14,000 hectares) from the Carmona Dam on the Ponsul River. There are important textile plants at Covilh. Tin, zinc, and titanium are mined in the district. Area 2,555 square miles (6,616 square km). Pop. (1992 est.) 213,300. city and capital of Castelo Branco distrito (district), central Portugal, near the border with Spain. The surrounding region was occupied by Roman legions and has many Roman ruins, but the city itself originated as an old frontier fortress and is partially enclosed by walls; it was not officially founded until 1209 by the Knights Templar, whose restored castle is a notable landmark. The cathedral and the episcopal palace are also noteworthy. Castelo Branco, noted for its hand-embroidered linen bedspreads, is an important road junction and has a flourishing local trade in cork, wine, olive oil, and cheese. Pop. (1991 prelim.) 26,410.