Castles

Castles and Palaces in Portugal

Braganca Castle

13th century citadel surrounded by 15 towers. In the centre is the 33 metre high keep, the Torre de Menagem

Portalegre Castle

13th century castle overlooking the town. The castle is also home to the Núcleo Museológico do Castelo, a small museum of military exhibits

The whitewashed village of Marvão clings to the sides of a craggy granite peak of the Serra de São Mamede in the northern Alentejo. Crowning the 960 metre (3,000 ft) peak is the largely 13th century castle of Marvão.

It is fairly obvious why this position was chosen; the stunning sweeping views take in the mountainous terrain up to and beyond the Spanish border less than 15km (10 miles) away. In the words of Nobel laureate José Saramago, "From Marvão one can see the entire land", and this is not too much of an exaggeration. The first castle to be built in Marvão was by its founder,...

Marialva Castle

Ruins of once grand castle

Pinhel Castle

Once important castle located on a hilltop overlooking the Côa river Valley

Soure Castle

Small, simple 11th century castle built to defend against the reconquest of Portugal by the Moors.

Penela Castle

Castle built to defend Coimbra from the potential reconquest of the region by the Moors. The existing structure dates back to the mid 12th century

Ourem Castle

Imposing hilltop castle which dominates the medieval town below. Founded in the 12th century there is also a 15th century palace within the walls.

Almourol Castle

Castle located on the small island of Almourol in the river Tejo. A stronghold of the Knights Templar the castle dates back to the 12th century and the Reconquista.

Montemor-o-Velho Castle

Predating Portuguese sovereignty, the castle of Montemor-o-Velho is a listed National Monument. Perched on a hilltop overlooking the flood plains of the Mondego the castle still dominates the skyline. There has been a fort or castle of some sort here presiding over and protecting the Mondego valley from as long ago as 2000 BC.

The imposing castle we see today dates back to the 13th century with some 16th century additions. Besides the walls and towers there isn't really that much still standing today. There are the ruins of the Paço das Infantas Palace, a favoured royal residence in...