Top 10 Oldest Castles in Portugal

The interior courtyard and main keep of the Castle of Feira. Photo by Marinhopaiva – Wikimedia

Top 10 Oldest Castles in Portugal

Castles as many would describe them are magnificent structures that were built in the most fascinating way and they represent engineering and how it can be achieved in the most unusual ways.

Portugal is one of the countries that is riddled with magnificent castles everywhere you look .most of the castles have been in existence for so long, therefore, paying tribute to our forefathers and shining a light on how the high and mighty lived

The country is filled to the brim with wonderful castles ranging from Moorish style renaissance marvels all the way to contemporary renovations that merge the past and represent a seamless nation.

The castles that were built in that era evoke different emotions in all the visitors who get the chance to visit the castles. They are often amazed by the architectural prowess of the architects and engineers of that era and how they came about creating such eye-catchers.

There are so many castles in Portugal but we will be highlighting the oldest ones.

1. Montemor-o-Velho

Montemor-o-Velho. Photo sourced from Wikimedia

With its picturesque presence in the beautiful valley which houses the Mondego River, the castle of montemor o Velho lies in its bold medieval style.

The castle has been occupied since Roman times as well as when the Arabs settled on it during the 8^th century. It has played a pivotal role in fighting between Muslims and Christians in their quest to rule Portugal thus its history is considered to be both an interesting and a violent one.

The visitors who come to the castle come to see its rich history, impressive surroundings and beautiful charm. The castle is older than Portugal the nation.

2. Guimaraes Castle

Guimaraes Castle. Photo by Marco Aldeia – Meu trabalho – Wikimedia

Located on top of a hill in the historic Centre of the town of Guimaraes this castle is hard to miss

With its seven towers being its most prominent features the castle had been very pivotal to Portugal and its fight against its neighbours thus offering a good defence for the monastery.

The castle was built between the 10^th and the 11^th century and it became the official residence of henry of burgundy, the count of Portugal, the father of the first king of Portugal Afonso Henriques.

The castle with its existence over the many years has witnessed and withstood many battles including the battle of Sao Mamede in 1128. This battle resulted in the victory of Afonso and this signified the starting point of an independent Portugal.

Many also refer to the castle as the birthplace of the Portuguese nation. Visiting the castle exposes you to a myriad of activities that are can be done in the park such as climbing the stairs to the medieval tower of the countless mumadona.

3. Almoural Castle

The semi-circular battlements and allures skirt the inner enclosure and the main keep. Photo by isogood – _almourol_portugal_88890001 – Wikimedia

The castle is located on top of a small rocky island in the middle of the Tagus river .it is one of the most magnificent castles that can be found in the country.

The castle dates back to the 12^th century and it has kept its amazing features even after all those years that it has been in existence.

Did you know that its name was adopted from the Arabic word Almorolan which means high rock indeed the castle has lived up to its name?

4. Tomar Castle

The Tomar Castle was built in the 12^th century and it belonged to the Knights Templar it was also a convent at one time.  It was built in order to protect the Portuguese against Arab invasion thus the castle has unusually rounded towers

The Templars would later be disbanded by pope clement v in 1312  and in the 15th-century king, Manuel of Portugal occupied the residence officially. He is credited to have made some changes to the castle designs such as the Manueline style, gothic, Romanesque and renaissance were adopted.

The castle is a part of a series of castles that are under the complex of the convent of Christ which is a large expansive historical and cultural monument in Portugal.

The castle was also listed as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1983.

5. Castle of Mertola

The castle dates back to the 7^th century when the Moors built it and were later occupied by king Sancho II who ultimately changed its style and appearance.

The castle is situated in the peaceful village of Mertola in the Alentejo province of Portugal .it is built on the highest part of a sharp and dramatic outcrop making its presence had to miss.

6. Castle of Santa Maria da Feira

The interior courtyard and main keep of the Castle of Feira. Photo by Marinhopaiva – Wikimedia

The castle is built in the traditional, medieval military architecture that was prominent in 9^th century Portugal.

The castle of Santa Maria da Feira has been listed as a national monument since the year 1910.

The castle is built on the foundation of the indigenous temple that was dedicated to the local divinity Bandeve-Lugo Toiraceco before it was transformed into the Marian temple

The castle can be enjoyed by visitors of all works of life because it offers a rich history, architectural designs and a beautiful exterior that can be seen from miles away.

7. Castle of Silves

The castle dates back to the 8^th century and it is located in the scenic region of the Algarve in the south of Portugal. The castle of Silves is a magnificent medieval fortification that was built during either the roman or Visigoth period

The castle of Silves when built was not occupied for some time until the moors occupied it and gave it the history it has today.

The castle of Silves is one of the best-preserved in the country and visitors can be able to enjoy all this when they visit the castle.

8. Castle of Braga

Avenida Central, Braga. Photo by K. Kendall – Wikimedia

The castle began life in the 11^th century, the historic castle which enriches the Portuguese city of Braga today only exists in ruins and old abandoned remnants of the dominant fortification that it used to be in the middle ages.

The history of the site dates back to the 2^nd century whereby the Greek astronomer, Ptolemy, wrote the original land had been ruled by the Roman Empire.

Visitors to the castle can enjoy viewing the remains of the ancient city walls and the medieval charm of the remaining towers.

9. Castle of Penedono

The castle was first documented in the 10^th century and its current building dates back to the 16^th century.

The castle of Penedono also known as Castelo do Magico is located on the top of a rocky crest at a massive 947 meters high, providing it with a sense of grandeur and medieval charm.

The castle housed the noble family of Portugal such as the Coutinho family during the Portuguese dynamic crisis of 1383 -1385. The castle has been central to Portuguese nobility since the 14^th century

10. Castle of Campo Maior

Castle of Campo Maior. Photo by Joaomartinho63 – Wikimedia

The castle dates back to the 11^th century and its astonishing medieval fortification situated in the civil parish of Joao Baptista has been listed as a national monument since 1911.

Its history is vast and extensive and dates way back to the occupation of Celtic tribes, Romans and Muslim settlers before eventually being conquered by the Portuguese between 1295 and 1296.

Today visors can still recognize original medieval features such as in its archways and walls which gives it a fascinating and enticing charm.