Category: Military Architecture > Castle
District: Aveiro > Santa Maria da Feira > Santa Maria da Feira
The castle rises at the highest point of the town of Santa Maria da Feira, in the district of Aveiro, dominating the historic center. Its position offers a panoramic view over the urban area and the surrounding countryside.
Enveloped by a large landscaped park, the monument is located next to the city's main streets, allowing visitors to walk from the central square and appreciate, along the way, details of the outer wall.
The site shows traces of occupation since prehistory and was the setting for an ancient Lusitanian sanctuary dedicated to the deity Bandeve-Lugo Tueræus. With Romanization, it became part of the road connecting Olissipo (Lisbon) to Bracara Augusta (Braga).
As early as the 11th century, the first fortifications appeared, reinforced during the County of Portucale and throughout the Middle Ages. The castle's military and administrative importance evolved with royal donations and the establishment of castellans until the modern period.
It features an irregular oval plan, adapted to the terrain, in masonry and stonework. The imposing Keep stands out, with three floors: cistern, noble hall, and a more private living space.
Access is through the barbican gate, flanked by two quadrangular towers. Inside the enclosure are the hexagonal chapel of Nossa Senhora da Encarnação and the Chaplaincy House, with Baroque features.
Classified as a National Monument on June 16, 1910, the castle underwent several restoration campaigns throughout the 20th century, carried out by the Directorate-General for Buildings and National Monuments.
Since 2022, structural consolidation interventions on the walls and restoration of the old 17th-century palace have been underway, with the aim of reinforcing the stability of the structures and enhancing the complex.
From the top of the walls, one can glimpse the city's houses and the Ul river valley, inviting moments of contemplation. The green surroundings, with holm oaks and ornamental trees, enhance the tranquil atmosphere.
This enclave is an excellent photographic spot, especially at dusk, when the light highlights the Gothic lines of the tower and the textures of the stonework.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castelo_de_Santa_Maria_da_Feira
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.92089,-8.542669
Coordinates DMS: 40°55'15.2"N 08°32'33.6"W
Weather Santa Maria da Feira
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