Castle of Penela, Medieval fortification in Penela, Portugal
The Castle of Penela is a medieval granite fortress situated on a hilltop covering roughly half an acre and arranged in an irregular polygonal shape with multiple towers and defensive walls. The structure demonstrates the defensive design typical of military strongholds from the medieval period with its imposing stone construction.
King Afonso Henriques founded the fortress in the 12th century as part of a defensive network that also included the castles of Soure and Lousã. This interconnected system served to control and protect the wider region.
The Church of São Miguel from the 15th century occupies the castle grounds and serves as a spiritual focal point for the site. Anthropomorphic graves from the late Middle Ages scattered across the area show how this location functioned as both a fortress and a burial place.
The site sits on a hilltop with steep paths, so comfortable shoes and some time to explore are recommended. Visiting during cooler hours or early in the day helps you avoid strong sun and heat.
The fortress features two distinctive entrance gates: the Vila Door and the Betrayal Door, with the latter displaying notable Moorish style elements. This architectural blend reveals the transition period between Moorish and Christian rule in the region.
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