Castelo de Juromenha, Medieval fortress in Juromenha, Portugal.
Castelo de Juromenha is a medieval fortress standing on the Portuguese side of the Guadiana River, which marks the border with Spain. The structure features thick defensive walls, sixteen square towers, and a tall keep that rises above the surrounding landscape.
King Afonso Henriques captured the fortress in 1167 with support from the knight Geraldo Sem Pavor during the Christian Reconquest. A major fire in January 1659 destroyed sections of the buildings and marked a turning point in the site's later history.
The name Juromenha comes from Arabic roots, reflecting the region's layered past and cultural crossroads. You can sense how this fortress controlled the valley and shaped daily life for those who lived within its protection.
The site requires careful footing as the stone structures are weathered and the ground is uneven throughout. Sturdy shoes and attention are necessary to move safely through the ruins.
A royal wedding took place within these walls when King Afonso IV married Beatriz of Castile, creating a political alliance between the two kingdoms. This moment reveals how the fortress served purposes beyond military defense.
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