Category: Military Architecture > Castle
District: Viseu > Penedono > Penedono > Penedono e Granja
The Castle of Penedono stands majestically at an altitude of about 930 meters, on a rocky hill with granite outcrops, integrated into the mountainous landscape of Serigo. Its prominent position offers panoramic views of the natural surroundings and the town of Penedono, which spreads along the slopes. The main access to the castle is from the front square, via a cobblestone staircase with wide granite landings.
This small, yet striking, medieval castle has an irregular polygonal plan, forming a heptagon. Its walls are crowned with merlons and reinforced at the corners by five rectangular turrets, equipped with protruding balconies and gargoyles. The single entrance is marked by a large pointed arch that precedes a straight-arched doorway, accessed by curved steps. Inside the enclosure, it is possible to see traces of old structures and stairs leading to the allure, the wall walk that runs along the entire walled perimeter, and to the tower terraces. Some windows with stone seats, known as "conversadeiras" (conversation seats), suggest the existence of an intermediate floor. In the space under the main tower, there is a vaulted chamber and the shaft of a polygonal cistern, elements that add to the understanding of daily life within the fortification. The castle's foundations reveal parallel courses of stonework, characteristic of older constructions, pointing to a probable pre-existing Moorish building.
The history of the Castle of Penedono dates back to ancient times, being mentioned in documents from the 10th century. Its strategic location made it a fundamental bastion in the defense of the territory. It was reconquered from the Moors by Ferdinand the Great of León between 1055 and 1057, after being briefly invaded by Almanzor. Over the centuries, the castle underwent several transformations, including a probable rebuilding in the late 14th century, initiated by D. Vasco Fernandes Coutinho, to whom King Ferdinand I had donated it. Later, between 1471 and 1530, under D. Francisco Coutinho, Count of Marialva, the castle underwent further renovations that converted it into a residence. Its historical and architectural importance is recognized, and it has been classified as a National Monument since 1910.
The Castle of Penedono is rich in legends passed down through generations, adding a layer of mystery and fascination to its history. One of these narratives is that of the Fraga do Castelo (Crag of the Castle), a reddish-colored rock on the northeast side where, according to popular belief, no vegetation has ever grown. It is said that its hue is due to the blood shed in battles against the Moors, or, in a more romantic version, to the tragic end of a knight who threw himself from the walls for love. Another legend tells of the Duas Pedras do Castelo (Two Stones of the Castle), two white stones on the façade, which are said to be the lids of boxes left by a wealthy Moorish woman, one containing a treasure and the other a terrible curse, which is why no one has dared to move them. However, the most famous legend, and the one that gives the castle its alternative name, is that of the Magriço. Álvaro Gonçalves Coutinho, known as the Magriço, was a legendary knight, immortalized by Luís de Camões in "The Lusiads," associated with the epic of the "Twelve of England," a group of Portuguese knights who traveled to England to defend the honor of English ladies. This connection underscores the courage and loyalty that the castle evokes.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.99,-7.393903
Coordinates DMS: 40°59'24.0"N 07°23'38.1"W
Weather Penedono
On-duty Pharmacy Penedono
