Castro Laboreiro Castle or Castro Laboredo Castle

Category: Military Architecture > Ensemble

District: Viana do Castelo > Melgaço > Castro Laboreiro > Laceiras

Location

Located in the village of Castro Laboreiro, in the municipality of Melgaço, district of Viana do Castelo. It is situated within the Peneda-Gerês National Park, on a mountain with difficult access.

Classification

National Monument since 1944.

Ancient History

- Area inhabited since Prehistory, with megalithic remains.

- Strategic location due to the ancient Roman roads and bridges in the region.

- During the Middle Ages, it was reinforced for defense against invasions.

The Medieval Castle

- Conquered by D. Afonso Henriques in 1141 and reinforced in 1145.

- In 1290, D. Dinis ordered the walls to be rebuilt, giving it its current form.

- In the 14th century, it was important in defending against attacks from Galicia.

17th to 19th Centuries

- During the Restoration War (1666), it was taken by Spaniards and reconquered by Portuguese troops.

- In the 18th century, it was used to detain people who refused military service.

- In the early 19th century, it was garrisoned in the Peninsular War, but then fell into abandonment.

Characteristics

- Built on a mountain at an altitude of 1,033 meters.

- Oval plan adapted to the terrain.

- Romanesque architecture with Gothic influences.

Two Distinct Zones

- Military area (to the north): includes the keep and the cistern, with the Sun Gate and the Traitor's Gate.

- Secondary area (to the south): used to shelter livestock and goods in case of attack, something rare in Portuguese castles.

Visit and Tourist Interest

- Ruins that offer a stunning panoramic view.

- Ideal place for those who like nature, hiking and history.

- It is integrated into a mountain environment, with unique landscapes and connection to the cultural heritage of the region.

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

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