Castle of Numão, Medieval castle in Numão, Portugal
Castle of Numão is a stone fortress positioned on a hilltop with both Romanesque and Gothic architectural features visible in its layout and walls. The structure uses the natural slope of the terrain and was built using stone materials quarried from the surrounding region.
The site contains traces of human settlement from the Neolithic period and later gained importance during the Christian Reconquest, when it passed to Guimarães Monastery. It then became a significant military fortification with strategic value in the region.
The castle displays a shift from Romanesque to Gothic design, built with local schist stone that miners extracted from nearby areas. These materials connect the structure visually to the surrounding landscape in a way visitors notice immediately.
The entrance requires a walk from the parking area to the castle, as vehicles cannot drive directly to the site. Comfortable footwear is recommended, and visitors should allow time for the uphill walk.
During its peak military strength, the fortress contained multiple towers and served as a location for royal visits. This royal presence shows how important the site was within medieval Portuguese rule and regional control.
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