Castle of Castelo Rodrigo

Castelo Rodrigo castle is a fortress with an oval layout that wraps around the village, featuring four circular turrets positioned on the western and southern sides. The turrets show partial collapse at their tops, marking the passage of centuries.

The Treaty of Alcañices in 1297 brought Castelo Rodrigo under Portuguese rule, after which King Denis ordered major fortification work. This moment established the site as a crucial defensive position along the border between two rival kingdoms.

The gates carry names tied to medieval moments and local legends. The Door of the Sun, Door of Alverca, and Door of Betrayal show how the fortress was woven into the daily storytelling of the community.

The site is accessible via a small road leading directly to the fortress area, and pathways offer several viewpoints overlooking the surrounding landscape. The grounds have uneven sections, so sturdy footwear is helpful when moving through different parts of the castle.

After the town resisted Spanish rule, King João I ordered the coat of arms to be displayed upside down as punishment for siding with Castile. This unusual form of shaming marked a turning point in the fortress's political history.