Castle of Vinhais, Medieval castle in Vinhais, Portugal.
Castle of Vinhais is a medieval fortress with an irregular oval enclosure reinforced by five towers, with the main gate defended by a solid Gothic fortification tower. The structure sits at 600 meters altitude in the Coroa mountains and offers views across the Tuela River valley.
Portuguese King Sancho II ordered the construction of this fortress, which later endured multiple sieges during the 1640-1668 War of Restoration against Castilian forces. The stronghold played a central role in the military confrontations along the border between Portugal and Castile.
The fortress displays architectural elements shaped by its proximity to the Kingdom of Castile, reflecting the medieval military design of this border region. Visitors can observe this northeastern focus in the structures built to maintain mutual control between neighboring kingdoms.
Access to the castle involves mountain paths that require reasonable fitness, given the altitude involved. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for the exposed position on the hills, which can be windy in poor weather.
The castle was occupied by Castilian forces from 1369 to 1371 under King Ferdinand's rule, representing a rare moment of control by the opposing power. This brief occupation left traces in the structures that careful visitors can spot when observing the different construction techniques.
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