Pombal Castle

Category: Military Architecture > Castle

District: Leiria > Pombal > Pombal > Centro Histórico

Location

Located in the parish, city, and municipality of Pombal, district of Leiria, in Portugal.

Historical Significance

, Defended the region during the formation of Portugal.

, Helped consolidate the county.

, Classified as a National Monument since 1910.

Ancient Origins

, Site of an ancient Roman fortification and later occupied by Muslims.

, Existence of an initial Gothic church dedicated to Saint Peter.

Medieval Construction

, Probably built in the 12th century, during the reign of D. Afonso Henriques.

, Associated with Gualdim Pais, Master of the Templars.

, Helped to populate and defend the region south of the Mondego River.

, Charter granted to Pombal in 1174 by Gualdim Pais.

Notable Events

, In 1323, the scene of peace negotiations between D. Dinis and his son D. Afonso.

, Supported the Master of Avis during the crisis of 1383-1385.

, Confrontations and significant reforms during the reigns of D. João I and D. Manuel I.

17th Century and Later

, Adapted as a stately residence by the Count of Castelo Melhor.

, Partially destroyed by Napoleon's troops in 1811.

, Abandoned and recovered in the 20th century with restoration work.

Architecture

, Shield-shaped with an area of approximately 300 m².

, Walls with battlements and ten quadrangular towers.

, Prominent keep, with a truncated conical base.

, Ruins of the ancient Church of Santa Maria do Castelo located outside the walls.

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

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