Castle of Alcobaça

The Castle of Alcobaça is a fortress ruin standing on a 70-meter high hill, featuring seven square turrets and the Torre dos Sete Sobrados, a Moorish watchtower overlooking the Baça River. The remains sit elevated above the town and command views across the surrounding landscape from their position.

King Afonso Henriques built the castle in 1147 on the remains of a sixth-century fortification to defend the Lisbon region during the Portuguese Reconquista period. Construction took place during an era of intense conflict against Moorish power in the region.

The castle was part of Alcobaça's medieval defense network and shows how military structures protected the growing settlement. It stands closely linked to the nearby monastery and continues to shape how locals relate to their town.

The castle is accessible via Rua do Castelo in Alcobaça and serves as a landmark above the town. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes since the ruins sit on a hill and the approach can be steep in places.

Over the centuries this structure shifted from a military stronghold to a refuge for monks and local residents, and later served as a prison. This varied history of use reflects how the region's needs changed over time.