Castle of Melgaço, Medieval castle in Vila, Portugal.
Castle of Melgaço is a fortress located at Portugal's northernmost point along the Alto Minho river, with three defensive enclosures within circular walls reinforced by three towers. The central keep now houses a museum center displaying archaeological findings and provides views of the surrounding landscape from its battlements.
King Afonso I of Portugal initiated construction in 1170 as a strategic defense position along the border between Portugal and Galicia. The fortress was continuously defended throughout the medieval period and preserved key phases of castle architecture from that era.
The castle served as a refuge point for Sephardic Jews fleeing Spanish persecution in the late 15th century. Visitors can sense this chapter of the site's story through the archaeological displays within the stone structures.
The interior is accessible to visitors, with the central structure offering stairs and steps to explore different levels and sections of the fortress. Wear comfortable shoes since the ground is uneven and multiple levels require climbing to view the full site.
The pentagonal main tower stands at the center of the parade ground and integrates Romanesque elements into its three-floor structure. This geometric arrangement allowed defenders to control the space efficiently while maintaining views across the borderland.
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