Castles
Castles and Palaces in Portugal
Castles and Palaces in Portugal
Standing guard at the mouth of Peniche's harbour is the sixteenth century Fortaleza de Peniche (Peniche Fortress). Commissioned during the reign of King João III when this little port was of great strategic importance to Portugal and its empire.
Rising above Moura's old town on a limestone plateaux are the ruins of a once grand castle. The medieval Castelo de Moura was built by King Dom Dinis in the 13th century on the site of an earlier Moorish citadel.
The towering city walls of Serpa must have been a formidable sight when they were built. The walls incorporate battlements, a keep and a fine 11th century aqueduct and pump house
Situated overlooking the town below Silves Castle is considered the best preserved of the Moorish castle in Portugal
13th century castle overlooking the town. The castle is also home to the Núcleo Museológico do Castelo, a small museum of military exhibits
13th century citadel surrounded by 15 towers. In the centre is the 33 metre high keep, the Torre de Menagem
The southwestern-most point of continental Europe is both geographically and historically significant. It is the site of Henry the Navigator's 15th century fortress and also the Rosa dos Ventos, a 43 metre compass laid out on the ground.
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.
Ruins of once grand castle
Set in a commanding position overlooking Portugal's capital, the Castelo de São Jorge dates back to Moorish times. The existing citadel is mainly medieval and contains the ruins of the royal palace and gardens