Castle of Vila Nova de Cerveira, Medieval fortress in Vila Nova de Cerveira, Portugal.
The Castle of Vila Nova de Cerveira sits on a hilltop overlooking the left bank of the Minho River and features eight rectangular towers arranged in an oval pattern. Its fortification walls enclose multiple chapels and various buildings, all accessible to visitors today.
King Alfonso III founded the fortress in the 13th century, and King Denis later strengthened its defenses and granted it a charter in 1321. These two royal interventions shaped its defensive role and its importance as a regional seat of power.
The Chapel of Mercy and the Chapel of Our Lady of Ajuda sit within the fortification walls, reflecting religious devotion across different centuries. These spaces show how spiritual life remained central to daily existence for those living and working here.
The grounds are accessible 24 hours daily with unrestricted entry through the main gates at Largo de São Sebastião. The hilltop location makes it easy to walk around and explore the outer fortifications and towers.
The former governor's residence and prison structures were converted into an inn that operated from 1982 to 2008. This transformation shows how the castle's historic spaces adapted to serve travelers passing through the region.
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