Bishop's Arch House or Péla Arch House

Category: Civil Architecture > House

District: Castelo Branco > Castelo Branco > Castelo Branco > Sé

History and Designation

, Also called Casa do Arco da Péla, Bishop's Citadel, or House of the Bishop's Citadel.

, Old ecclesiastical palace with various occupations and modifications.

, Located at the base of Monte da Cardosa, in the city of Castelo Branco.

Classification as Historical Heritage

, Recognized as a Property of Public Interest since 2002.

The Mysterious Arch

, A Romanesque arch in the style of the main entrance of the castle, located in the Medieval Zone of Castelo Branco.

Historical Enigma

Location away from the village fence and dating prior to its construction.

Possible Episcopal Residence

, Debate about the existence of a residence for the bishop in the 13th century.

, Indications suggest that this residence could be at the base of Monte da Cardosa.

Walls of the Bishop's Citadel

, Context of the Christian Reconquest and relations with the Kingdom of León.

, Documentation of ecclesiastical rights of the Bishop of Guarda in Castelo Branco.

, Need for accommodation and shelter for the Bishop within the village.

Architectural Structure

, Observations on the House over the Arch.

, Multiple layers of walls, evidence of overlaps over time.

, Highlight for a Gothic window with Roman influences, possibly from the 13th century.

Walled Enclosure

, Suggestion that the arch was the entrance to a fortified area.

, Possible function of protection, autonomous defense, and social status of the Bishop.

, Integration of the citadel within the fence of the village of Castelo Branco after construction.

Historical Curiosity

, Singularity of the location of the citadel within the perimeter of the village fence.

, Potential unique case in Portugal.

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

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