Castle of Castelo Bom

Category: Military Architecture > Castle

District: Guarda > Almeida > Castelo Bom > Centro Histórico

Location and Access

- Situated in the village of Castelo Bom, eponymous parish, municipality of Almeida, Guarda District.

- Positioned on a rocky hilltop overlooking the Côa River.

History and Classification

- Classified as a National Monument since 1946.

- Its origins date back to a pre-historic Iron Age settlement, due to its strategic location.

- It was rebuilt during the reign of King Dinis, after passing to the Portuguese Crown in 1282 as a dowry of Queen Saint Elizabeth.

Structural Features

- Granite masonry structure with an almost rectangular and organic plan.

- Enclosed by a barbican with an irregular plan.

- The Village Gate, to the east, has uneven pavement, a pointed arch on the outside, and a rounded arch on the inside.

- Walls, a tower in ruins, and the coat of arms with the old village's crest are visible.

- The keep, now in ruins, was accessed by a stone staircase.

Defense Elements and Infrastructure

- To the south, is the cistern (King's Well) and the circular gunpowder magazine (Rebolim or Polvorim).

- Two wells supplied the fortress: the Stair Well and the King's Well.

Military Importance

- Served as a point of defense and refuge, especially during the Restoration War.

- It remained a strategic post until its destruction in the Peninsular War.

National Symbol

- Possible origin of one of the seven golden castles represented on the shield and flag of Portugal, highlighting its historical relevance.

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