Monsaraz Castle

Category: Civil Architecture > Castle

District: Évora > Reguengos de Monsaraz > Monsaraz > Centro

Location and Context

- Located in the Alentejo region, near the Guadiana River and the Alqueva Dam.

- Perched atop Monsaraz hill, overlooking the medieval village and the border with Spain.

- Features mixed medieval and 17th-century architecture, classified as a National Monument.

History and Background

- Prehistoric origins linked to a hill fort (castro), with subsequent occupations by Romans, Visigoths, and Muslims.

- Its name is derived from the local rockrose (esteva) vegetation found on the banks of the Guadiana River.

- Established during the Christian Reconquista, initially conquered by Geraldo Sem Pavor (Gerald the Fearless).

Medieval Period

- Definitively conquered by King Sancho II in 1232, with influence from the Knights Templar.

- Received a Royal Charter (Foral) from King Afonso III in 1276.

- Reconstruction of the Keep (Torre de Menagem) and expansion of the village walls under King Dinis.

Modern Era and Later Centuries

- Transferred to the Order of Christ following the dissolution of the Knights Templar in Portugal.

- Defenses were modernized during the Portuguese Restoration War, including the addition of the Fort of São Bento.

- Experienced strategic decline, leading to the transfer of the municipal seat to Reguengos de Monsaraz in the 19th century.

Architectural Features

- Quadrangular layout with walls of schist stone and lime mortar, reinforced by towers.

- Four main gates built with granite ashlar: Porta da Vila (Village Gate), Porta de Évora (Évora Gate), Porta da Cisterna (Cistern Gate), and Porta da Alcoba (Alcove Gate).

- An oval outer wall circuit blending schist, granite, and mortar.

Points of Interest

- Parade ground (Praça de Armas), inner fortress (alcáçova), keep (Torre de Menagem), and the Chapel of São Bento (Ermida de São Bento) are located within the walled perimeter.

- An important historical and architectural landmark in the Alentejo region, offering panoramic views.

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

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