Castle of Vilar Maior, building in Vilar Maior, Guarda District, Portugal
The Castle of Vilar Maior is a medieval fortress standing on a hilltop with views toward the Cesarão river valley and distant Guarda castle. The ruins display a square keep tower, fractured walls with arrow slits, traces of a former gate, and remnants of a circular water cistern inside.
The castle originated in the 11th or 12th century as a defense against invaders and was strengthened by King Dinis, who built the keep tower and granted the village a special charter in 1296. In the early 19th century, it suffered major damage during the Peninsular War when fires destroyed much of the original structure.
The village name reflects its medieval origins as a settlement built around the castle for protection. The narrow streets and small squares still show how residents organized their lives and daily activities within these defensive boundaries.
The site is open daily from early morning until evening with free access for exploration. It is located in Vilar Maior village within Sabugal municipality and is walkable from the town center, though sturdy footwear is recommended due to uneven terrain and loose stones.
Near the castle, ancient rock carvings dating back 3500 to 4000 years are visible on a rocky surface south of the local museum. These engravings reveal that people settled here thousands of years before the medieval fortress was built.
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