Castle of Mirandela, building in Mirandela, Bragança District, Portugal
The Castle of Mirandela is a medieval fortress built in the late 13th century on a hilltop overlooking the Tua river. Today only fragments remain visible, notably the Santo António gate and wall sections integrated into the backs of modern buildings along the old streets.
King Dinis ordered the fortress built in the late 13th century to protect the newly relocated settlement. Over time it lost its defensive role, and during the 1800s large sections of the walls were demolished to make room for new roads and buildings.
The Santo António gate took its name from Saint Anthony, venerated in this region. The surrounding narrow streets show how people lived for centuries within these walls, where old fortifications now form the backs of houses and shops, keeping history woven into daily life.
The castle sits in the heart of the old town and is easy to reach by car or on foot from the city center. The remains are scattered along the old streets, especially around the Santo António gate, where you can explore the walls and narrow alleys at your own pace.
Much of the original castle wall is now built into the backs of modern houses and shops along the old streets, creating a hidden layer beneath the city. This shows how the medieval structure still shapes the modern town even though most visitors never notice this hidden architecture.
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