Silk Castle or Silk Fortifications (remains)

Category: Military Architecture > Citadel

District: Portalegre > Alter do Chão > Seda > Miradouro de Seda

Location

The Castle of Seda, also known as the Silk Walls, is located in the parish of Seda, in the municipality of Alter do Chão, in the district of Portalegre, Alentejo.

Designation

Although called a castle, it is actually the remains of an old urban fence, which reveals that Seda was a fortified town.

Heritage

Classified as a Property of Public Interest since 1982, the site is an important historical vestige of the region.

Access

Access to the walls is complicated, and there is no clear signage or explanation on how to get there. Tourists may have difficulty finding the location and exploring the remains.

View

Although it is not possible to access the walls up close, it is possible to observe the remains from afar. However, many visitors find this experience disappointing due to the lack of maintenance and signage.

Ancient History

The area has a human settlement that dates back to prehistory, with several dolmens identified. The Roman presence is evident from the Vila Formosa bridge, built between the 1st and 2nd centuries.

Medieval Fortification

During the Reconquista, in 1160, the region was conquered by D. Afonso Henriques and donated to the knights of the Order of the Templars. This period marks the beginning of the construction of the fortifications.

Evolution

In 1271, the site was handed over to the Order of Avis, and in 1427, D. João I gave it the status of village. This privilege was reaffirmed by D. Manuel I in 1510, and in 1527 it became the seat of the municipality.

Remains

The remains of the medieval wall, although in a precarious state, are still visible. What remains includes stretches of schist masonry wall, without battlements, interconnected by circular plan turrets.

Attractions

The remains are located between orchards and backyards along Rua do Castelo (Castle Street), but the lack of maintenance and the hidden location can disappoint visitors. It is advisable for tourists to inquire well before the visit to avoid surprises.

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

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