Tower of Penegate, Medieval tower in Carreiras, Portugal.

The Tower of Penegate is a rectangular granite keep with three interior floors, built by Mem Rodrigues de Vasconcelos from 1322. Its pointed-arch doorway opens on the east face above ground level, once reached by a removable wooden stair whose supports remain. On the west face, a machicolated balcony overlooks the single approach, and the top is crowned with battlements added in 1939.

King Denis granted permission for the tower's construction in 1322 to Mem Rodrigues de Vasconcelos, an administrator connected to Guimarães Castle. The fortification reflected the crown's strategy to strengthen control over the region during that era.

The name Penegate replaced Penela in 1064, likely referring to the rocky height (penha) the tower stands on. The Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Pena, built in the 17th century by Miguel Valadares as his burial place, stands beside the tower, not inside it; its altarpiece shows the Virgin Mary between Saint John and Saint Anthony.

Access is on foot along a very steep trail up the escarpment; there is no direct public transport to the tower, so most visitors come by car or taxi from Vila Verde and walk the last stretch. The entrance is above ground level and was originally reached by a movable wooden staircase, whose supports remain. Wear shoes with grip for the climb.

The Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Pena is a separate small Baroque building beside the tower, not inside it. Miguel Valadares, canon of Guimarães and judge in Braga, had it built in the early 17th century as his burial place, as an inscription on its main facade records. Its altarpiece shows the Virgin Mary between Saints John and Anthony in painted panels.