Castelo de Curutelo, Medieval castle in Ardegão, Portugal
Castelo de Curutelo is a rectangular medieval fortress near Poiares with a central square tower crowned by pyramid-shaped merlons. The building features narrow loophole windows and overlooks the slopes of the São Cristóvão dos Milagres mountain.
A duke named D. Jaime acquired the property in 1532 and commissioned a builder named João Rodrigues de Lago to improve the site. These renovations followed military experiences from a campaign on the African coast.
The chapel is dedicated to Santo Amaro and features traditional Portuguese gilded woodwork that reflects the country's religious craftsmanship heritage. These handcrafted details reveal how people expressed their faith through artistic skill and decorative beauty.
The site is currently undergoing transformation and is not easy to visit as renovation work is in progress. It is best to check ahead whether tours are available or if accessibility might be limited.
The property includes substantial land where wine production is planned for the future, focusing on regional grape varieties of the area. This plan connects the old fortress with modern wine tourism and agricultural use.
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