Category: Civil Architecture > Building
District: Évora > Redondo > Redondo > Bairro António Festas
In the picturesque Alentejo village of Redondo, in the heart of the Évora district, stand the remarkable remains of its ancient castle.
Located in the Bairro António Festas, this site rises above the urban fabric, offering a privileged perspective over the surrounding landscape. Such a strategic position was fundamental for medieval fortresses, designed for surveillance and defense of the territory.
Designated as Military Building No. 1, this set of ruins is an eloquent testimony to the strategic relevance that Redondo held throughout the centuries. The Castle, whose elements still stand here, was erected out of the pressing need to fortify a crucial border area for the kingdom, playing a vital role in the defense and structuring of the Alentejo territory during the Middle Ages.
The original construction of these structures dates back to the periods of consolidation of Portuguese territory, namely the 13th and 14th centuries, showcasing the military architecture of the era. Despite alterations and the impact of time and urban expansion, the persistence of these remains invites an immersion into an era of knights and battles for the kingdom's sovereignty.
Among the elements that have stood the test of time, the keep stands out, the central piece and last defensive redoubt of any medieval fortress. Although it is not in its complete original form, its robustness and the imposing nature of its base remain visible, allowing one to glimpse its former stature and primary function.
Adjacent to the tower, the remains of the wall are visible, which in several sections still demarcate the perimeter of Redondo's once imposing fortification. These walls, built with the typical stone of the region, reflect the military construction techniques of the time, offering a glimpse into the defensive engineering that protected the settlement.
From this location, it is possible to enjoy not only the physical vestiges of a distant era but also the panoramic views that stretch over the town of Redondo and the vast Alentejo plain that surrounds it.
Integrated into the current urban landscape of the Bairro António Festas, these elements function as a tangible link to the region's history, prompting reflection on the resilience of these constructions and the memory of a military past that left its mark on the Alentejo.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castelo_de_Redondo
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.64937449110445,-7.5431076189607325
Coordinates DMS: 38°38'57.7"N 07°32'35.2"W