Castle of Lousa, Ancient Roman castle in Luz, Portugal
Castle of Lousa is a fortification on elevated terrain that combines Roman stone walls with medieval watchtowers and displays strong defensive structures. The site visibly preserves Roman masonry that was later reinforced with defensive features.
The castle originated during Roman occupation and was later used as a fortification, undergoing different building phases. In 1970 it received National Monument status, a mark of its long-term strategic importance.
The castle shows how Roman construction methods and medieval building practices merged at this location to create a working fortress. When you walk through the walls, you can see directly how different periods left their own marks in stone.
The site sits on elevated terrain and allows visitors to explore the walls and original masonry directly. It is best to wear sturdy shoes to walk safely over the uneven ground.
The castle merges elements of a Roman villa with fortification features, showing that the building served both as a residence and defensive position. This dual purpose was common for many ancient constructions in the region.
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