Montalegre Castle

Montalegre Castle is a fortress built on a granite hill featuring four connected towers arranged in a rectangular shape. The structure commands views over the surrounding valleys and mountain ranges from its elevated position.

King Dinis I of Portugal ordered construction of this fortress between 1279 and 1325 to strengthen the kingdom's northern border defenses. The project was part of a broader defensive strategy for the northern territories.

The fortress has been recognized as a National Monument since 1910 and shows how important such strongholds were for protecting medieval northern Portugal. Visitors can still see how the structure fit into the landscape and understand its role in the region's defense strategy.

The site remains accessible throughout the year with guided tours available to explain the defensive systems and medieval architectural features. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear since the terrain is hilly with some steep pathways.

The central courtyard contains an original water cistern that supplied the garrison during sieges and has kept its complete medieval structure intact. This practical feature shows how carefully the defenders planned for long-term survival.