Noudar Castle

Category: Military Architecture > Castle

District: Beja > Barrancos > Barrancos > Herdade da Coitadinha

Location and historical context

- Situated in the old village of Noudar, in the municipality of Barrancos, in the district of Beja, Alentejo, Portugal.

- Strategically positioned on the border with Spain, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.

- Testimony to the presence of the Order of Avis in the region, along with other local castles.

History and importance

- Archaeological vestiges reveal human occupation since pre-history, passing through the Romans, Visigoths, and Muslims.

- The original construction dates back to the 10th or 11th century, when a small tower or rammed-earth castle was erected to control the road to Beja.

- Rebuilt by the Order of Avis in 1308, as part of the agreement with D. Dinis to receive the castle and its domains.

- Underwent alterations throughout the centuries, notably works during the reign of D. Manuel I (15th century).

- After periods of Spanish occupation, it was returned to Portugal in 1715.

National Monument and restoration

- Classified as a National Monument since 1910.

- Castle ruins acquired by the municipality in 1997, initiating an archaeological investigation project.

- Restoration and reconstruction work carried out in the 1980s and 1990s, under the direction of Cláudio Torres.

- In 2021, a public tender was launched for the rehabilitation of the castle walls.

Architectural features

- Hexagonal plan, divided into alcazaba and town enclosure.

- Highlight the keep, with a quadrangular plan, about 18 meters high and battlements at the top.

- Cisterns inside the keep and in the alcazaba, dating from the 14th century.

- Walled enclosure reinforced by towers and attached turrets, with the Town Gate as the main entrance.

- Church of Nossa Senhora do Desterro, rebuilt in the 1980s, and the Governor's House inside the castle.

The legend of the Noudar serpent

- One of the local stories tells of a serpent that inhabits the castle.

- It is believed to be an enchanted Moorish princess, adorned with a characteristic hairstyle.

- It is said that the serpent only comes out at night.

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