Sortelha Castle

Category: Military Architecture > Castle

District: Guarda > Sabugal > Sortelha

Location and History

, Located in Sortelha, in the municipality of Sabugal, district of Guarda, Portugal.

, Built on a granite massif, with a privileged view of the Riba-Côa valley.

, Integrated into one of the best-preserved Historical Villages of Beira Interior.

, Classified as a National Monument since 1910.

Ancient History

, Traces of occupation since prehistory, possibly since the Neolithic period.

, Defended by Romans, Visigoths, and Muslims due to its strategic position.

Medieval Period

, Important in the Christian Reconquest, protecting the border between Portugal and Castile.

, D. Sancho II granted a charter to the village in 1228, strengthening the castle's structure.

, Significant renovation during the reign of D. Manuel I in the 16th century, visible in the Manueline architecture of the main gate.

Modern and Contemporary Era

, Adapted to the military techniques of artillery after 1640.

, Involved in conflicts against Castile and later in the Peninsular War against Napoleon's French troops.

, Decline after 1855, when the Council headquarters were deactivated.

Architectural Characteristics

, Romanesque and Gothic style, with Manueline influences.

, Access by staircase to the Castle Gate, highlighting the corbelled balcony and the arms of D. Manuel I.

, Keep with panoramic views, highlighting the pyramidal merlons.

Defensive Structure

, Surrounded by irregular oval walls, with battlements and cruciform loopholes.

, Four main gates, including the Porta da Vila and Porta Nova, each with unique features of defensive architecture.

Points of Interest

, Cistern inside the parade ground.

, Torre do Facho and Watchtower, with panoramic views of the region.

, Highest geodesic point in the region, at 773 meters above sea level.

Conservation and Visits

, Classified as a National Monument, restored by DGEMN.

, Open to public visits, providing a unique view of the military and architectural history of Portugal.

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

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