Sernancelhe Castle

Category: Military Architecture > Castle

District: Viseu > Sernancelhe > Sernancelhe

Location:

Sernancelhe Castle stands imposingly at the highest point of the village of the same name, offering a privileged perspective over the surrounding landscape. Its dominant position on the hilltop allows visitors to contemplate a vast valley embraced by mountain ranges, creating a scenery of great natural beauty and tranquility.

The ascent to the castle culminates at Rua do Castelo (Castle Street), indicating its historical centrality in the urban layout. This location, though integrated into the peri-urban fabric, maintains an isolated atmosphere, inviting discovery and appreciation of the place's quietness.

Traces of a Millennial History:

The history of Sernancelhe Castle is profound, dating back to ancient times, with signs of human occupation extending from the Neolithic period to Romanization. In the context of the Christian Reconquest, the fortification gained strategic relevance, serving as a pillar of defense and repopulation for this Beira region.

Throughout the centuries, from references in the 10th century and its rebuilding in the 12th century, the castle witnessed the granting of charters (forais) and the passage of important royal figures. Although it lost its original military function with the advancement of the kingdom's borders, its presence continues to be a tangible link to a past rich in events and transformations.

Structure and Visible Elements:

Sernancelhe Castle features an irregular and circular plan, ingeniously adapting to the topography of the hill. Although much of its medieval imposingness is now in ruins, elements persist that allow visitors to imagine its original grandeur.

One of the most notable points is the Porta do Sol (Sun Gate), a full-arch gate facing south, which still stands as a testament to the old wall circuit. It is also possible to observe some sections of the wall, mostly in granite, and remains of a staircase that led to the upper level. The architecture, with Romanesque and Gothic characteristics, reveals the robustness and adaptability of military construction of the era.

Atmosphere and Contemplation:

Currently, the Sernancelhe Castle grounds invite leisure and introspection. Inside the walled enclosure, there is a picnic park and a landscaped path that encircles the area, ideal for a relaxed stroll.

This site is a historical-cultural landmark that offers a serene environment, conducive to enjoying the landscape and tranquility. At the highest point, one can find a geodesic marker and an image of Our Lady, complementing the experience of a visit where history merges with the natural beauty of the region.

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