Keep of Melgaço Castle

Category: Military Architecture > Castle

District: Viana do Castelo > Melgaço > Melgaço > Senhora da Oliveira

Location

Located in the town of Melgaço, district of Viana do Castelo, Portugal.

Historical Significance

Built in the 12th century by order of D. Afonso Henriques, it was one of the main fortresses defending the northern border of Portugal against León and Castile.

Castle Structure

It has circular walls, rare in Portugal, with three towers and two access gates. The Keep is quadrangular and isolated in the center of the courtyard.

Military Function

Throughout the centuries, it played a strategic role in the defense of the Portuguese territory, having resisted several invasions.

Museological Center

The Keep has been requalified and transformed into an exhibition space, where you can see archaeological finds that tell the history of the region from Prehistory to the Contemporary Age.

Panoramic View

The top of the tower offers a viewpoint with a privileged view over Melgaço and the surrounding landscape.

Archaeological Ruins of Praça da República

Linked to the Museological Center, they allow exploring medieval structures, including old pavements and vestiges of a defensive moat.

Monumental Classification

National Monument since 1910, being one of the best-preserved examples of medieval military architecture in Portugal.

Access and Visits

Open to the public, with guided tours and information about the history and archaeology of the castle.

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

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