Castle of Belver, Medieval castle in Belver, Portugal.
Castle of Belver is a stone fortress positioned on a ridge overlooking the Tagus River, with a central tower flanked by three smaller towers at the corners. The outer walls form defensive lines that protect the courtyard within and clearly show the military purpose of the site.
King Sancho I granted the land to the Hospitaller Order in 1194, who built the fortress to protect their operations in the region. The structure was reinforced over the centuries and served as a key defensive point.
The Chapel of São Brás inside reflects the religious mark left by the Hospitaller Order, still visible in how the space is organized. The community used this place as a center for both spiritual life and military presence in the region.
The grounds are open for visitors to walk through, exploring the walls, towers, and inner courtyard. Good footwear is recommended since the paths are uneven and the elevated position offers good views.
In the 13th century, this fortress was one of only six repositories where the Portuguese crown stored its national wealth and treasures. This role reveals how important the location and fortifications were for safeguarding the kingdom's assets.
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