Giraldo Castle

Category: Military Architecture > Castle

District: Évora > Évora > Évora

Location

Giraldo Castle is located in the vicinity of the city of Évora, in the municipality of the same name, and near the village of Valverde, within the Monfurado mountain range. Its elevated position offers a wide perspective over the surrounding Alentejo landscape. From its ruins, it is possible to contemplate the city of Évora in the distance and the picturesque village of Valverde, making it a point of interest for those who appreciate the tranquility of the countryside and open views.

Distant Past

More than a medieval castle in the traditional sense, Giraldo Castle is an ancient hillfort, a type of fortified settlement with roots dating back to the Bronze Age, or even the Chalcolithic, eras long preceding the foundation of Portugal. This site witnessed the lives of proto-historic communities, whose original defensive structures were later reused and modified over the centuries. The remains observed today are a window into a very prolonged and complex human occupation, with the most visible wall belonging to a period of medieval occupation.

The Legacy of Geraldo Sem Pavor

The name "Castelo do Giraldo" (Giraldo Castle) is deeply associated with the legendary figure of Geraldo Sem Pavor (Gerald the Fearless), the warrior who, in the 12th century, conquered Évora from the Moors in 1165. Although 15th-century sources already referred to it, linking the fortification to his presence, it is important to emphasize that this connection is based more on tradition and popular legend than on concrete historical or archaeological evidence. Visiting this site is, therefore, entering a space where ancient history mixes with the echoes of a mythical figure of the Portuguese Reconquista, inviting imagination about the events that may have occurred there.

Architectural and Scenic Aspects

From what remains of Giraldo Castle, it is still possible to discern its subcircular plan, with an exterior perimeter extending for about 114 meters. The ruins of the wall that has survived to this day, of medieval origin, tell the story of the defenses that once protected this strategic point. The atmosphere on site is one of quietude and reflection, complemented by panoramic views over the vast Alentejo plain. It is a place that, due to its antiquity and the history surrounding it, offers an experience of discovery for those seeking to understand the most remote origins of human presence in the Évora region.

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