Monção Castle

Category: Military Architecture > Castle

District: Viana do Castelo > Monção > Monção > Oliveira

Location and History

Monção Castle is located in the town of Monção, in northern Portugal, next to the Minho River. It was built to protect the river crossing and the town from attacks. The castle has been classified as a National Monument since 1910.

Origins and Construction

Some scholars believe that the first fortification in Monção was erected during the reign of D. Sancho I, but most indicate that the castle was built in the 14th century, during the reign of D. Dinis, around 1306. The town and castle grew over the centuries and underwent several renovations.

War of 1369

The castle was important during the Fernandine Wars, when, in 1369, it was besieged by Castilian forces. The wife of the warden, Deu-la-deu Martins, helped to resist the siege by preparing bread and throwing it over the walls to show that the fortress was well supplied. The besiegers, realizing that the siege could last a long time, lifted the blockade and withdrew.

17th Century Fortification

During the War of the Restoration of Portuguese Independence in the 17th century, the castle was modernized and transformed into a polygonal fortress, with bastions and fortifications adapted to artillery. These defenses withstood a siege for months in 1658-1659.

Structure and Features

The castle has a circular plan and is surrounded by walls. The main gates were defended by a keep, while another, smaller gate gave access to the riverfront area. The 17th-century fortress integrated the old medieval walls, adapting them to the new structure.

The Legend of Deuladeu Martins

The legend of Deuladeu Martins, who helped save the castle during the siege of 1369, is remembered in the coat of arms of Monção, where a woman holding bread over a castle tower appears.

Visit and Attractions

Monção Castle is an unmissable historical site, with an impressive view of the Minho River and the town. Its medieval architecture and 17th-century fortifications make it a point of tourist interest in the Minho region.

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

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