Portugal harbours ancient castles veiled in mysterious tales and centuries-old secrets!
Back when defences were key, Portugal’s castles played a crucial role against Spain and the Moors. In 1143, the Zamora Treaty made D. Afonso Henriques the first King of Portugal, marking it as one of Europe’s oldest countries. Today, exploring Portugal’s enchanting castles, many over 1,000 years old, offers a fantastic way to experience its rich history. These charming fortresses are scattered across beautiful landscapes and are often free to visit, making them perfect for a delightful adventure into Portugal’s past.
To find Castelo do Castro Laboreiro, look for the "traitor’s gate" and enter through the Porta do Sapo (Gate of the Frog). Perched at 1,033 metres high on the border with Spain, it offers breathtaking views in Peneda-Gerês National Park. This oval-shaped castle predates Portugal and was rebuilt in Gothic style in 1290 after near destruction in 1212.
Picture a magical castle perched atop Sintra's hills, gazing over the quaint town below. That's Pena Palace! This 19th-century marvel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Portugal's Seven Wonders, invites visitors to explore its vibrant colours and lush surroundings. Its whimsical appearance makes it a must-see in Portugal. Originally dating back to the Middle Ages, the palace underwent restoration by King Ferdinand II, transforming it into a summer retreat for the Portuguese royal family.
Perched high in Santa Maria Maior, Castelo de Sao Jorge is like a giant castle puzzle overlooking Lisbon's old town. It's been around since way back in the 8th century BC! First, the Visigoths built a small fortress here around the 5th century. Then, when the Moors ruled, they made it much bigger in the 11th century. Later on, King Afonso I of Portugal turned it into a royal palace in the 12th century. And guess what? In 1938, it got a major makeover to celebrate how awesome Portugal is! Now, it's a great place to explore and learn about history with outstanding views!
Imagine standing on the walls of this castle, built way back in 1171, gazing out over the plains towards Spain. You'd wonder what it was like to wait here, always ready for whatever might come. Perched high above Monsanto, a village famous for its houses nestled among giant boulders, this castle might have even inspired the village's unique architecture. The wind brushes against your face, and you hear the distant toll of bells as the sun sets over this remote Portuguese village. The hike up to the castle is short but steep, and it has been rebuilt over the centuries. It is said to sit atop an older Moorish castle and maybe even Roman foundations. It makes sense—half of the castle is made of natural stone boulders, making it both rugged and beautiful to behold.
The Palace of Mafra, also known as the Convent of Mafra, is a spectacular palace near Lisbon, Portugal. It was built in 1717 by King John V, who wanted to create a grand palace and convent for his wife, Queen Mariana, after they had their first daughter. This palace is really special—it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Monument of Portugal! Can you believe it has over 1,000 rooms and a library with a whopping 30,000 books? It's like a huge castle filled with history and stories waiting to be discovered!
Once upon a time, in 1540, Friar Gaspar Preto decided to build a special place dedicated to the Lady of Monserrate. Through the years, different families owned it until a British industrialist named Francis Cook visited in the 19th century and totally fell for it! He turned Monserrate Palace into a magical place with stunning gardens filled with plants from all over the world. Now, it's a special spot protected by World Heritage. The Portuguese government took over in 1949, and today, it's looked after by Parques de Sintra, so everyone can visit and enjoy its beauty!
Portugal's rich history is beautifully reflected in its castles and palaces, each with tales that go way back in time. From the imposing fortresses to the grand palaces, there's so much to explore and discover. If you're heading to Portugal soon, make sure to add these enchanting landmarks to your must-visit list.
