Castle of Campo Maior, Medieval fortification in São João Baptista, Campo Maior, Portugal.
The Castle of Campo Maior is a medieval fortification featuring ten-sided polygon walls with multiple bulwarks, turrets, and towers woven into the town's urban layout. The entire structure forms a central part of the settlement, serving as both a defensive system and a residential area.
King Denis commissioned the fortification in 1310 as a defensive structure to secure the border between Spain and Portugal. Over subsequent centuries, it remained a key stronghold protecting the region's territorial boundaries.
The castle grounds function as a social center where residents and visitors gather together. Its spaces blend residential areas with venues used for community events and cultural activities.
The grounds are open to visitors on several weekdays with set morning and afternoon hours available to walk through. When planning your visit, check ahead as there are occasional closures on certain weekends during the year.
A lightning strike in 1732 ignited a massive explosion within the powder magazine stored inside the fortification. The blast destroyed much of the surrounding town and caused severe devastation to the local population.
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