Portugal is known for its delicious cuisine and magnificent Atlantic coastline. However, its centuries-old history is also worth mentioning. After all, this is one of the oldest countries in Europe. In the wake of “House Of The Dragon”, we’ve put together a list of some of Portugal’s most beautiful castles.
Between myths and legends, knights templar, conflicts for the throne and (mis)loves, this is a real-life time travel that could have been written by George R. Martin (author of the “Game Of Thrones” saga). From north to south, there is no shortage of castles and fortresses, some of which are in ruins, while others have been restored. Either way, it’s time to feel the echoes of the past.
Table Of Contents
Northern Portugal
Guimarães Castle
This journey to the time of kings and queens, princes and princesses begins in what is considered the “Cradle of Portugal”: Guimarães.
Erected in the 10th century, the fortification in Minho went down in history as the birthplace of Afonso Henriques, the first Portuguese monarch.
In addition to the Castle, take the opportunity to visit the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança, which is right next door.
Where: Rua Conde D. Henrique, Guimarães.
Penedono Castle
Due to its location near the border, Beira Alta is full of walls, castles and fortresses. So there’s no shortage of incredible monuments to visit in these parts. But, as the aim is not to make an exhausting list, we’ve decided to highlight the Castle of Penedono.
Located in the beautiful medieval town of the same name, in the district of Viseu, the castle’s origins date back to the 10th century, but it has undergone several interventions over time. In the summer, it serves as the setting for a small but cozy historical re-enactment.
Where: Penedono
Santa Maria da Feira Castle
Nowadays, this is one of Portugal’s most famous castles and is the stage for the “Medieval Journey in the Land of Santa Maria”, one of Europe’s largest historical re-enactments.
Part of the Oporto Metropolitan Area, in the district of Aveiro, this is one of the best examples of Portuguese medieval architecture between the 11th and 16th centuries.
Built on top of a hill, surrounded by dense green woodland, this castle looks like it’s straight out of a Disney fairytale… And best of all, you don’t even have to take a plane to visit it.
Where: Alameda Roberto Vaz de Oliveira, Santa Maria da Feira
Center of Portugal
Porto de Mós Castle
This is one of Portugal’s most peculiar castles, famous for its green Gothic and Romantic-style towers. Located in Porto de Mós, the monument played a leading role in the defense of the cities of Leiria and Coimbra during the Christian Reconquest.
The origins of the current building date back to the 13th century, but it has undergone changes over time. In particular, during the 15th century, when D. Afonso (4th Count of Ourém) transformed the fortification into a palace-style residence. The castle is also mentioned in the epic Os Lusíadas.
Where: Rua do Castelo 3, Porto de Mós
Almourol Castle
Forever linked to the myth of the Knights Templar, Almourol Castle is one of the most beautiful in Portugal.
Located on an islet in the River Tagus, you have to board a small boat to get there, which adds to its charm.
Where: Islet of the River Tagus Praia do Ribatejo – Vila Nova da Barquinha
Leiria Castle
Going to Leiria without visiting its castle is like going to the Vatican and not seeing the Pope. Perhaps we’re exaggerating. But you get the idea. What’s certain is that the list of Portugal’s most beautiful castles couldn’t fail to mention Leiria Castle.
In the Gothic style, this building was home to several monarchs, including the famous King Dinis, who later gave the town and its castle to Queen Santa Isabel. After the Restoration War in 1640, it was consigned to oblivion.
Since the beginning of the 20th century, the castle has been the subject of a rehabilitation process, making it possible today to contemplate the impressive view over the Lis from its balconies .
Where: Largo de São Pedro, Leiria
Óbidos Castle
Óbidos is considered one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Europe in its own right. After all, this picturesque town, surrounded by a wall, is one of the greatest wonders of western Portugal.
A place of pilgrimage for fans of ginjinha and chocolate, Óbidos also stands out for its medieval castle. Classified as a National Monument since 1910, it is now home to a luxury inn.
Where: Rua Josefa de Óbidos
Southern Portugal
Marvão Castle
Located in the charming town of Marvão, in the district of Portalegre, the local castle is one of the most impressive in the Alentejo and even in Portugal. In fact, when you glimpse the medieval silhouette from afar, you can almost imagine a scene worthy of any movie.
With Moorish origins, the fortification underwent various interventions over time and played an important role in the War of the Restoration of Independence (17th century).
Set on an escarpment over 800m high, the view is absolutely breathtaking and stretches all the way to Cáceres, just across the border with Spain.
Where: Rua do Castelo 7330, Marvão
Moorish Castle
We write about Sintra quite often, or it wouldn’t be one of Portugal’s most magical and romantic villages.
Classified as a National Monument since 1910, the Moorish Castle (18th century) is a testimony to the Arab presence in Portuguese territory.
From the top of the medieval fortification, you can almost touch the sky.
Where: Sintra
São Jorge Castle
Last but not least, it’s time to focus on ‘our’ São Jorge Castle, one of the most beautiful monuments in Lisbon.
Dating back to the 11th century, like the Moorish Castle in Sintra, this is another testimony to the Moorish heritage that still survives today.
A castle that is also an incredible viewpoint, always with the Tagus River in sight!
Where: Rua de Santa Cruz do Castelo, Lisbon
Direct testimonies of the past, these and other castles in Portugal perpetuate in time the echoes of the past, reminding us of the extent of our history. A true medieval journey within anyone’s reach!