Penela Castle

Category: Military Architecture > Castle

District: Coimbra > Penela > Penela > Hortas

Location

- Located in the parish of São Miguel, Santa Eufémia and Rabaçal, in the town and municipality of Penela, Coimbra District.

History and Importance

- Mondego Line: It was part of the defensive line of Coimbra during the Reconquista.

- First Inhabitants: The initial occupation may date back to pre-Roman peoples, and it is believed that there was a Roman military tower.

- Christian Reconquest: Conquered by the troops of Fernando Magno in 1064 and reoccupied by D. Afonso Henriques in 1129.

- Classification: National Monument since 1910.

Castle Features

- Structure: Mountain castle with an irregular polygonal plan, adapted to the rocky terrain.

- Walls: Height between 7 and 19 meters, with elements of the Romanesque, Gothic and Manueline styles.

- Towers and Gates: Four of the original twelve towers and two main gates remain, Porta da Vila (Town Gate) and Porta da Traição (Treason Gate).

- Cistern: Quadrangular, carved into the rock, used to collect and store rainwater.

Points of Interest

- Panoramic View: Beautiful views over the town and the Serra da Lousã (Lousã Mountain Range).

- Repairs and Restorations: Significant works in the 14th and 15th centuries, with important restorations in the 20th century.

- Walks: Battlement walk with walkways to cover almost the entire perimeter of the castle.

Church of São Miguel

- Location: Inside the castle.

- History: Referenced in the charter of 1137, rebuilt in 1420 and again renovated in the 16th century.

- Architecture: Three naves separated by arcades, chancel with baroque carvings and Renaissance side chapels.

Legends and Traditions

- Toponymy: The name "Penela" may come from a diminutive of "penha" (rock) or from an expression attributed to D. Afonso Henriques.

- Treason Gate: Legend that D. Afonso Henriques invaded the castle through this gate during the Reconquista.

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

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