Category: Military Architecture > Castle
District: Coimbra > Penela > Santo Amaro > São Miguel, Santa Eufémia e Rabaçal
- Situated in the locality of Rabaçal, parish of São Miguel, Santa Eufémia and Rabaçal, municipality of Penela, district of Coimbra.
- Located in the surroundings of Coimbra, near Penela, on top of a hill.
- It is believed that the area was initially occupied by a Romanized castro (hill fort).
- Built or rebuilt during the reign of D. Afonso Henriques, after the granting of the charter in 1142.
- It served as a defense against Moorish attacks, protecting the Coimbra region.
- With the territorial expansion to the South, it lost its strategic importance and was abandoned.
- Partially reconstructed in the 20th century by the historian Salvador Dias Arnaut, following the original layout.
- After his death, the castle was put up for sale in 2000, but popular mobilization led to its classification as a Site of Public Interest in 2014.
- Currently, the castle has a geodetic landmark on its walls.
- Small castle in Romanesque style, with an area of 80 thousand square meters.
- Surrounded by a natural forest.
- Legend of the giant brothers, blacksmiths who lived on separate hills, sharing a hammer.
- Gerumelo, one of the brothers, threw the hammer that disintegrated in the air, creating a spring of ferruginous waters and a wild olive grove.
Coordinates DD: 40.02619112473897,-8.430458240757307
Coordinates DMS: 40°01'34.3"N 08°25'49.6"W
Weather Santo Amaro
On-duty Pharmacy Santo Amaro
