From north to south, Portugal is full of medieval castles that make you dream of kings, princesses and Knights Templar. On the one hand, some stand out for their movie-worthy scenery, such as Almourol Castle. On the other hand, there are palatial buildings that look like they’re straight out of a fairy tale, with Porto de Mós Castle being one of the best examples.
Located in the town of Porto de Mós, in the district of Leiria, about 120 kilometers from Lisbon, a drive of approximately 1h40, this castle is one of the most impressive in Portugal. From the top, you can see the Serras d’Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park, but its iconic green roofs are one of its greatest charms.
A brief historical glimpse
Classified as a National Monument in 1910, Porto de Mós Castle has an ancient history. In fact, its origins date back to the time of the Christian Reconquest. Initially, it was a simple Muslim structure that may have existed on the site. However, it later took on a strategic role in the defense of Leiria and Coimbra.
According to the available information, the fortress gained new strength during the reign of King Sancho I in the 13th century. Under the rule of King Dinis, the town of Porto de Mós was granted a royal charter. However, the great architectural transformation only came in the 15th century, when D. Afonso, IV Count of Ourém implemented a profound reform.
What does this mean? After a strong military past, D. Afonso, IV Count of Ourém (and grandson of D. Nuno Álvares Pereira, to whom the towns of Ourém and Porto de Mós had been donated in the aftermath of the success of the Battle of Aljubarrota), promoted works in a palatial style with Renaissance traits, a symbol of power and sophistication.
Troubled period
After an auspicious period, the Portuguese castle was subjected to abandonment and ruin, having been affected by the severe earthquake of 1755, which shook the Portuguese capital and beyond.
However, the classification as a National Monument and various restoration campaigns carried out afterwards have made it possible to recover the ‘lost’ splendor of Porto de Mós Castle.
How to get there from Lisbon?
Nowadays, the fantastic castle plays a predominantly cultural and educational role, receiving more than 30,000 visits a year. This is undoubtedly a place that deserves your attention.
You could take advantage of the weekend to visit this palatial building steeped in history. The quickest way to get there from Lisbon is by car via the A1 (exit for Leiria or Torres Novas), IC9, or A8 (exit for Leiria or Pataias).