Walls of Portalegre Castle

Category: Military Architecture > Castle

District: Portalegre > Portalegre > Portalegre > Sé e São Lourenço

Ancient Origin

The walls date back to the Middle Ages and were reinforced over the following centuries, especially during the time of the Restoration War in the 17th century.

Well-Preserved Urban Wall

Even today, it is possible to walk along large sections of the old wall that once surrounded the city, offering a clear sense of Portalegre's historic defenses.

Two Historic Gates

, Alegrete Gate: An imposing entrance that provided access to the city from the east, featuring a tower above and a dwelling built over the arch.

, Devesa Gate: Another significant entrance, flanked by two towers connected by a vaulted arch. Today, they are part of residential buildings.

Remains of Towers and Bastions

Along the wall, one can find remains of defensive towers, sections of barbicans (outer defensive walls), and structures adapted for artillery, especially from the 17th century.

Modernized Fortifications

During the 17th century, the walls were reinforced with bastions (triangular defense structures) to better withstand attacks with firearms. A visible example is the half bastion behind the former Episcopal Palace.

São Cristóvão Fort

Nearby, in the Atalaião neighborhood, parts of this small defensive fort still remain, built at the same time as the bastioned fortifications.

Wall Walkway

There is a pedestrian path that allows you to walk along part of the wall on the outside of the old city. You can follow streets like Praça da República, Rua da Torre do Pessegueiro, and Rua dos Muros de Cima, among others. Perfect for those who enjoy walks steeped in history.