[4] Archaeological findings indicate that Belmonte’s lands have been occupied since prehistoric times, with notable megalithic sites in the parishes of Inguias and Caria dating back approximately 6,000 years.

[5] By the 13th century, Belmonte had developed into a thriving town with a significant population of both Christians and Jews, as reflected in the presence of two churches, Santiago and Santa Maria, and a synagogue.

[5] In 1466, King Afonso V gave the hereditary title of alcaide-mor (chief mayor) to Fernão Cabral, including not only the castle but also all rents, rights, and privileges tied to the town.

In 1466, King Afonso V granted Fernão Cabral the hereditary title of alcaide-mor (chief mayor), which included not only the castle but also all rents, rights, and privileges associated with the town.

In 2003, the American Sephardi Federation founded the Belmonte Project, designated to raise funds to acquire Judaic educational material and services for the community, which now numbers 160–180.

Administratively, the municipality is divided into 4 civil parishes (freguesias):[7] Catholicism has played a significant role in shaping Belmonte's cultural identity, particularly through the statue of Nossa Senhora da Esperança (Our Lady of Hope).

In 1563, with the founding of the Convento de Nossa Senhora da Boa Esperança (Convent of Our Lady of Hope), the statue was moved there, where it remained until 1834.

[8][9] The Convento de Nossa Senhora da Boa Esperança was abandoned and fell into disrepair following the dissolution of religious orders in Portugal.

Among the remains, there are traces of a triptych depicting figures such as Nossa Senhora (Our Lady), São Tiago (James the Great, the patron saint), and St. Peter.

The church is located along one of the Portuguese pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela, serving as a place of spiritual solace for pilgrims on their journey.