Castle of Castelo Novo, Medieval fortress in Castelo Novo, Portugal
The Castle of Castelo Novo is a medieval fortress with a prominent stone keep standing at the village's highest point, its granite walls overlooking the Serra da Gardunha mountains. The structure features solid defensive walls built to guard and survey the surrounding region.
The Knights Templar received this land in 1208 during King Sancho I's reign and began constructing the fortress for regional defense. The structure was strengthened and modified over the centuries to meet changing military needs.
The castle grounds hold a rock-carved wine pressing tank called Lagariça, where villagers gathered through the centuries during grape harvest celebrations. This site reveals how the fortress was woven into the everyday life of the community.
The best way to reach the castle is by walking through narrow streets from the town center, with parking available near Largo da Bica square. The village itself is compact, so a stroll through its cobblestone streets is the easiest way to explore the entire site.
The fortress earned its name 'Novo' because it replaced an older, insufficient castle nearby. The settlement later adopted the same name, keeping it as a mark of its connection to the newer stronghold.
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