Castle of Castelo Rodrigo or Walls of the Castle of Castelo Rodrigo

Category: Military Architecture > Castle

District: Guarda > Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo > Castelo Rodrigo

Location

- Situated in the village of Castelo Rodrigo, in the municipality of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, Guarda district, Portugal.

- Dominant position over the Aguiar stream and the Ribacôa plain.

Historical Significance

- Part of the Historical Villages of Portugal Program.

- The walls are classified as a National Monument since 1922.

History of the Castle

- Founded during the Christian Reconquista of the Iberian Peninsula by Afonso IX of León.

- Originally part of the Ribacôa defensive line, along with other castles in the region.

- Definitively conquered by Portugal through the Treaty of Alcanices in 1297.

Architectural Evolution

- First phase: Construction between the end of the 12th century and the beginning of the 13th century in Romanesque style.

- Second phase: Reforms in the 14th century by D. Dinis, including the keep, moats, cistern and barbican.

- Muslim influences in the cistern with horseshoe arch door.

Castle Features

- Irregular oval plan, built on shale rocks at an altitude of 810 meters.

- Circular and quadrangular shaped towers.

- Main gate with machicolations balcony, flanked by two turrets with coats of arms.

Notable Elements

- Keep with six windows with balconies.

- Door of the Palace of Cristóvão de Moura in Gothic style, accessed by a staircase.

- Historical cisterns, one of them with a depth of 13 meters and access by a granite staircase.

- Sun Gate, Alverca Gate and Treason Gate in the village walls.

Events and Wars

- Remarkable resistance during the Restoration War against Spanish troops.

- Involvement in the Seven Years' War with Spanish occupation.

Decline and Preservation

- Economic decline after the loss of military function.

- Transfer of the municipality headquarters to Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo in 1836.

- Partial restoration in the 20th century and recent preservation interventions.

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

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