Castle of Terena

Castle of Terena is a fortress on elevated ground with an irregular pentagonal layout and defensive features. It contains four semi-circular towers, three corner bastions, and a rectangular keep with vaulted chambers.

The fortress began in 1262 when knight Gil Martins and his wife Maria João ordered its construction to defend the frontier with Castile. Later, in 1509, architect Duarte d'Armas redesigned the entrance route and added reinforced towers.

The castle shows how medieval Portugal built fortifications to defend its borders through distinctive architectural choices. The arrangement of towers and bastions reveals how people lived and worked within these protective structures during wartime.

You can enter through three gates: Traitors' Gate, Gate of the Sun, and the village gate with a barbican. Wear comfortable shoes since the ground is uneven and exploring involves walking across different levels.

Architect Duarte d'Armas moved the entrance to pass through the keep tower itself, giving visitors an unusual arrival experience. This design was practical because it added more defensive layers to protect the interior.

Location: Terena (São Pedro)

Inception: 1262

GPS coordinates: 38.62167,-7.40722

Latest update: December 9, 2025 12:28