Castelo de Torres Vedras

Castelo de Torres Vedras is a medieval castle with stone walls and Gothic features sitting above the city on a hilltop. The site includes defensive structures, an entrance gate, and an interior space where an ancient church stands.

The fortress grew from the remains of a Roman settlement, was strengthened by the Moors, and was reclaimed by King Afonso I in 1148. In 1810 it became part of a defensive line against Napoleon's invasion.

The Igreja de Santa Maria do Castelo inside the walls is a 12th century church with Romanesque doorways found nowhere else in the city. Visitors can walk through these sacred spaces and see how the church and fortress developed together.

The best time to visit is in the morning when crowds are smaller and light is good for photos. The paths around the fortress are sometimes steep, so bring comfortable shoes and plenty of water.

The site became the center of a bold military idea: three overlapping defensive lines that forced back Napoleon's army. This strategy was completely new at the time and proved that defense could work as well as attack.