Montemor-o-Velho Castle, and Church of Santa Maria da Alcáçova annexed

Category: Military Architecture > Castle

District: Coimbra > Montemor-o-Velho > Montemor-o-Velho

Location

- Parish of Montemor-o-Velho e Gatões, Town and Municipality of Montemor-o-Velho, District of Coimbra, Portugal.

- Situated in an elevated position above the town, on the right bank of the Mondego River.

Historical Significance

- Main fortification of the region during the Christian Reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula.

- Strategic for the defense of the lower Mondego border line, especially the Coimbra region.

Classification

- National Monument since June 23, 1910.

History and Background

- Prehistoric occupation, followed by Romans, Visigoths and Muslims, attracted by the tin from Beira Alta.

- First references to the castle date from the 9th century, with conquest by Ramiro I of Asturias in 848.

Medieval Period

- Alternating possession between Christians and Muslims until the 11th century.

- Definitive conquest by Christians under Ferdinand the Great after the capture of Coimbra in 1064.

- Important reconstructions and defensive works during the 11th and 14th centuries.

Significant Events

- Refuge of D. Inês de Castro and decision on her execution in 1355.

- Refuge and resistance during various disputes and conflicts, including the succession crisis of 1580 and the Peninsular War.

Current State

- Monument in good condition, open to the public.

- Integrates an irregular plan with various defensive structures such as the Keep, barbican, and walls.

Architectural Features

- Keep with a square plan and several floors.

- Barbican with two gates: Porta da Peste (Plague Gate) and Porta da Nossa Senhora do Rosário (Gate of Our Lady of the Rosary).

- Ruins of the old manor house and other intramural constructions.

Church of Santa Maria da Alcáçova

- Origin in the 11th century, with significant reconstructions in the Manueline period (16th century).

- Sober facade with a pointed arch portal and coats of arms of the bishop-count D. Jorge de Almeida.

- Interior divided into three naves, decorated with sculptures from various periods, including works by Master Pero (c. 1330-1340).

Other Points of Interest

- Chapel of Santo António, Chapel of São João and Igreja da Madalena (Church of Madalena), all located within the castle grounds.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castelo_de_Montemor-o-Velho

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