Folgosinho Castle

Category: Military Architecture > Castle

District: Guarda > Gouveia > Folgosinho

Location

- Village and parish of Folgosinho, municipality of Gouveia, Guarda district, Beira Alta, Portugal.

Importance

- Located on the northern slope of the Serra da Estrela.

- Considered a symbol of the town of Folgosinho.

- Founded, according to legend, by Viriato, a Lusitanian hero who was born here.

- Part of a defensive triangle with the castles of Linhares and Celorico to protect the Mondego River valley.

Classification

- Property of Public Interest since 1936.

Initial Occupation

, Territory inhabited by two pre-Roman castros.

Medieval Period

, During the Reconquista, King D. Sancho I granted it a charter in 1187 to populate and defend the region.

, D. Afonso II confirmed the charter in 1217, and there are mentions that D. Dinis repeated the act.

, In the 16th century, D. Manuel I granted it a New Charter in 1512.

, Donees included the Marquises of Arronches, Dukes of Lafões, and Counts of Miranda do Corvo.

, It was also a Commandery of the Order of Christ.

From the 19th Century to Today

, Folgosinho ceased to be the seat of the municipality in 1836, integrating into Gouveia.

, The castle was classified as a Property of Public Interest in 1936.

, Currently well-preserved and a tourist attraction.

Characteristics

- Built 933 meters above sea level.

- Uses white-pink quartz stone, giving it a unique appearance.

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

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