Castle of Penha Garcia

The Castle of Penha Garcia sits on a quartzite hill that overlooks the Ponsul River valley, with stone walls and fortified structures still visible from its original construction. The defensive layout shows how the fortress was designed to guard the valley below.

The fortress was built during King Sancho I's reign and later came under control of military religious orders. This change marked an important shift in how the structure was managed and used.

The castle is tied to a local legend about a man named D. Garcia who reportedly abducted the governor's daughter. This story remains part of the place's identity and visitors often hear it recounted when exploring the ruins.

The climb to the castle is steep, so wear comfortable shoes and allow extra time for the ascent. Morning or late afternoon visits are best, as the direct sun on the hillside can be intense during midday hours.

The quartzite hill beneath the castle contains ancient rocks about 490 million years old with fossilized traces from prehistoric marine life. Locals call these fossils painted snakes, and they tell the story of an ancient ocean that once covered this land.