Ranhados Castle

Category: Military Architecture > Castle

District: Guarda > Mêda > Ranhados

Location

- Located in the parish of Ranhados, Mêda, Guarda District, Portugal.

- Strategically positioned on top of a hill, between the Torto River and the Teja stream.

Origins

- The first human occupation dates back to a proto-historic hill fort, later Romanized.

Medieval Construction

- Built during the reign of King D. Dinis (1279-1325) to strengthen the village, with possible contribution from the Templar and Hospitaller Orders.

- Donated to the Távoras family during the reign of King D. Fernando (1367-1383).

Later Centuries

- Decline from the 15th century onwards, despite the New Charter granted by King D. Manuel I in 1512.

- Incorporated into the Municipality of Mêda in 1836, after the extinction of the Municipality of Ranhados.

Architecture

- Irregular oval structure in Gothic style, built in granite.

- Walls reinforced by two square towers: one in the Southeast corner and the other inside the parade ground.

- Presence of the "Treason Gate" protected by a double wall, with a pointed arch door.

State of Conservation

- Classified as Property of Public Interest since 1977.

- Suffered significant deterioration, with part of the walls used as a cemetery since the 19th century.

- Reinforcement of one of the exterior walls has affected its original appearance.

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