Messejana Castle (vestiges)

Category: Military Architecture > Castle

District: Beja > Aljustrel > Messejana > Bairro de São Brás

Location

Situated atop a hill in the village of Messejana, Aljustrel municipality, Messejana Castle, or what remains of it, stands as a landmark in the landscape. Its elevated position offers views over the surrounding rural area and part of the urban cluster, marking a prominent place in the history of the settlement. Although integrated into the Bairro de São Brás, the environment is somewhat isolated, allowing for a peaceful observation of the remains and the surrounding landscape.

Memory of Bygone Times

The history of Messejana Castle dates back to a distant past, with indications pointing to its foundation during the Muslim period, reflecting the strategic importance of this hill. The locality of Messejana, whose name is believed to have Arabic origins, was already a point of occupation long before the castle's construction, with vestiges attesting to continuous human presence in this place since prehistory. The Christian reconquest, in 1235, marked a new phase, with the castle integrating into the domains of the Order of Santiago. Historical documents, including an enigmatic tombstone dated 1288, suggest works or the edifice itself under the reign of D. Dinis, perhaps by the hands of master Pero Soudo. Over the centuries, and after belonging to the Order of Santiago, the castle lost its military function, being gradually abandoned and, regrettably, used as a source of stone by the local population itself, which resulted in its current state.

The Last Remains

Of the once imposing Messejana Castle, today mainly ruins remain, a silent testament to a defensive structure once vital. The most visible element is what is believed to be the base of a tower, whose walls of schist and sandstone masonry still stand, albeit fragmented. It is also possible to identify vestiges of terraces and platforms that once supported its walls, giving an idea of the complex's original dimension. Despite its ruined condition, this set of remains is a significant historical-cultural landmark for the parish of Messejana, inviting reflection on the resilience of time and the importance of preserving local memory.

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