Aljustrel Castle and Church of Our Lady of the Castle

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Beja > Aljustrel > Aljustrel > Castelo

Location and Historical Context

, Located in the town of Aljustrel, in the municipality of Aljustrel, district of Beja, Portugal.

, The castle was built during the Muslim period and was conquered by Christians in 1234.

, It had great military importance during the Reconquista, but lost relevance after the end of the conflict.

Castle Description

, The ruins of the castle and the Church of Nossa Senhora do Castelo form a classified set as a Property of Public Interest.

, The castle is located on an oval hill, 100m long, 30m wide and 247m high.

, Access to the site is via a large staircase with an arch and a bell at the top.

, Traces of the old towers and part of the castle wall can be observed.

, Evidence of residential buildings and a circular fireplace have been found.

, Islamic structures were superimposed by Christian fortifications.

Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora do Castelo

, Located on the ruins of the ancient fortress.

, The church is a place of pilgrimage and follows the Baroque style.

, It has a single nave, main chapel, sacristy and a house for pilgrims.

, The main facade is decorated with pilasters, volutes and a cross at the top.

, The interior is composed of a primitive nave and an old gallery, connected by a semicircular arch.

, The internal decoration features 17th-century tiles, simulating a tapestry.

, The main chapel has an altar and a main altarpiece of Baroque influence.

, There is a legend related to Saint Mary, linked to a rock on the site.

Tourist Importance

, The Castle of Aljustrel and the Church of Nossa Senhora do Castelo are prominent tourist spots in the town.

, They are part of a tourist route that includes the old mines and other points of interest in Aljustrel.

Medieval Period and Islamic Domination

, History of Aljustrel from the Islamic period to the Christian conquest.

, The hill where the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora do Castelo is located played an important defensive role.

, Invasions and attacks influenced changes in the settlement of the region.

Reconquista

, The Castle of Aljustrel was conquered by the knights of the Military Order of Santiago da Espada in the 13th century.

, There is a legend that tells of the help of Moorish women in the conquest of the castle and the enchantment of a Moorish woman in a stone.

, The castle was donated to the Order of Santiago and played a central role as a military base.

Development of History

, Occupation of the castle area until the 15th century and subsequent loss of military importance.

, The Order of Santiago carried out works on the castle, including the construction of a keep.

, The castle continued to be used for military and administrative purposes, while the surrounding areas were abandoned.

Hermitage of Nossa Senhora do Castelo

, The construction of the hermitage probably took place in the 14th century.

, In the 16th century, the hermitage began to be called Nossa Senhora do Castelo.

, There is a legend about a Marian apparition and the construction of the hermitage on the site where the apparition occurred.

, Friar Agostinho de Santa Maria described the hill and the church in a historical account.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castelo_de_Aljustrel

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt