Evora Monte Castle

Category: Military Architecture > Fortress

District: Évora > Estremoz > Évora Monte > Bairro Mourique

Location

Evoramonte Castle rises majestically in the heart of Évora Monte village, in the municipality of Estremoz. Its position, on one of the highest points of the Serra d'Ossa, at an altitude of about 474 meters, gives it remarkable visibility and a comprehensive visual command over the surrounding Alentejo landscape. From there, the view extends over a vast area, revealing the tranquility of the plain.

Architecture and Style

This castle stands out for its unusual architecture, a reflection of the transition between military function and lordly residence in the early Modern Age. It features a distinct quadrangular plan, complemented by four cylindrical turrets at its corners that rise in a stepped, almost telescopic effect. The construction in stone masonry and granite ashlar harmonizes elements of Gothic style with Italian Renaissance inspiration, lending it a particular elegance.

Inside, the palace spreads across several floors, marked by vaulted ceilings and ashlar columns that reveal Manueline decorative details, such as the twisted columns on the ground floor. The exterior is adorned with the curious symbolism of the knots carved in bas-relief, a seal of the House of Braganza that reflects its ducal influence. The walls, adapted for artillery, display wide merlons and gunports, attesting to its defensive evolution over the centuries.

Historical Landmark

The history of Evoramonte Castle dates back to prehistory, with the occupation of the site, and was shaped by crucial events in Portuguese history. After the Christian Reconquista, its strategic importance led to successive fortification works, notably the intervention ordered by King Dinis in the 14th century. Later, in the 16th century, it was transformed into an elegant palace, with a project attributed to architects Diogo and Francisco de Arruda, after being damaged by an earthquake.

However, one of the most emblematic moments of its existence occurred in 1834, when it was the stage for the signing of the Convention of Evoramonte, the agreement that put an end to the Liberal Wars in Portugal. This event conferred upon the castle a prominent place in the country's collective memory, transforming it from a military fortress into a witness of a period of great political and social transformation. Currently, the castle is public property with a cultural vocation.

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