Palmela Castle

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Setúbal > Palmela > Palmela

Location

Palmela Castle rises imposingly atop one of the eastern foothills of the Arrábida mountain range, in the town of the same name, in the district of Setúbal. This elevated position, approximately 240 meters above sea level, provides it with exceptional visual dominance over the surrounding landscape.

From here, one's gaze extends over a vast area of the Setúbal Peninsula, including the estuaries of the Tagus and Sado rivers, the city of Setúbal, and the Tróia Peninsula. On days of good visibility, it is possible to glimpse the lights of Lisbon in the distance, underscoring its strategic importance throughout the centuries as a watchpoint and communication hub.

Historical Journey

The history of Palmela Castle spans millennia, with vestiges dating back to prehistory and the Neolithic period. Its primitive fortification is attributed to the Muslims, between the 8th and 12th centuries, who recognized the relevance of its location.

With the Christian Reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula, the castle became a central point of dispute. After several conquests and losses in the 12th century, it was handed over by D. Sancho I to the Military Order of Santiago in 1186, which established its headquarters there. From 1443 onwards, Palmela consolidated its position as the definitive seat of this Order in Portugal, which is still reflected today in its cross-shaped sword symbol.

Throughout the centuries, the castle witnessed significant events, such as the imprisonment of the Bishop of Évora, D. Garcia de Meneses, in the keep's cistern, for conspiracy against D. João II. In the 17th century, under the reign of D. Pedro II, the defenses were modernized to adapt to artillery, with the construction of bastioned lines. The building suffered significant damage during the 1755 earthquake but remained active until the extinction of the Religious Orders in 1834. It has been a National Monument since 1910.

Architecture and Panoramas

The structure of Palmela Castle reveals an irregular polygonal plan, harmoniously adapting to the terrain's relief. Its walls, reinforced by towers of various shapes, are presented on three distinct levels, vestiges of the various construction and remodeling campaigns over time, from the Islamic era to the 18th century.

One of the most prominent elements is the keep, in Gothic style, probably built during the reign of D. Dinis. Inside the walls, one can explore the ruins of the Church of Santa Maria, which is believed to have been Palmela's first parish church, and the Church of Santiago, erected by the Order of Santiago. Archaeological prospecting work continues to unveil the secrets and different constructive phases of this unique site, allowing visitors a deep immersion into history and the breathtaking views that open up from every point of the fortress.

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