Castle of Ourique

Category: Military Architecture > Castle

District: Beja > Ourique > Ourique > Bairro do Rosal

Location:

Situated atop a hill in the village of Ourique, in the heart of the Bairro do Rosal, this location offers a wide and serene view over the vast plain of Campo de Ourique. It is a naturally elevated point, approximately 245 meters in altitude, positioned north of the village's urban core, near the main church, providing a unique setting overlooking the surrounding Alentejo landscape.

Access to the site of the former castle is via a paved path that leads to the viewpoint and garden, making it an easily accessible point for those exploring the village of Ourique. Its dominant position allows contemplation of the vastness of the Alentejo, punctuated by the Castanheiros and Cotovio streams.

Memories of a Vanished Fortress:

Although physical traces of Ourique Castle are scarce today, the site carries a rich history dating back to ancient periods. It is believed that this hill was initially occupied by a fortified settlement, a castro, before giving way to a military structure during the period of Islamic rule in the Iberian Peninsula. The castle, then known as Al-Riqa, is mentioned in 10th-century Arab chronicles as an important rural stronghold.

Throughout the centuries, this fortification played a crucial role. It served as a vital military outpost in a network of defenses, controlling important connecting axes between the Algarve and the Sado River valley. Later, in the context of the Christian Reconquista, it was the scene of intense battles, being taken and retaken several times, and its existence is intrinsically linked to the legendary Battle of Ourique, in 1139, which symbolizes a foundational moment in the history of Portugal.

The Current Site and Its Legacy:

Where Ourique Castle once stood, there is now a landscaped public space known as Miradouro de Ourique, also called Parque Frederico Ulrich and Miradouro Ramiro Sobral. The demolition of the last vestiges of the original citadel occurred in the 1960s, giving way to an area with cultural and recreational functions.

Despite the absence of the old fortress, the viewpoint maintains its symbolic and scenic value. A modern water tower can be observed, rising where perhaps one of the castle towers once stood. The entrance to the enclosure is marked by a broken arch, a 20th-century construction that evokes medieval architecture. At this site, the statue of D. Afonso Henriques also stands out, a tribute to the monarch linked to Ourique's history, reinforcing the historical sense of the space. This site is frequently used for cultural events, such as commemorations of the Battle of Ourique, perpetuating the memory of its glorious past.

Discoveries and Future Aspirations:

Although the original castle has disappeared, the historical importance of the site has been a focus of attention. Recent archaeological works, initiated in 2018, have sought to deepen knowledge about the ancient military monument and the origins of the village of Ourique. These excavations have already revealed ancient structures, such as a three-meter-high mud wall, and ceramic fragments dating from the 15th to 17th centuries.

Continued investigation aims to uncover more secrets that Ourique's subsoil holds, including the possibility of finding more ruins of the ancient castle. This effort reflects the desire to connect the present with a distant past, allowing visitors to imagine the life and events that shaped this strategic point in the Alentejo. A visit to Miradouro de Ourique thus offers not only an unobstructed view but also a journey into the rich historical tapestry of the region.

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