Porto de Mós Castle

An architectural work of unique characteristics, the castle of Porto de Mós, built on the ruins of a Roman lookout post, has accumulated military, Gothic and Renaissance influences over the centuries, based on a pentagonal structure with turrets reinforcing the angles, although only four remain today. The two turrets that make up the main façade are adorned by two pyramidal domes, finished with green ceramics.

Initially an Arab fortress, the role of Porto de Mós castle was evident during the period of the Christian conquest. After successive guerrilla battles between the Portuguese and the Moors, in 1148 D. Afonso Henriques, aided by D. Fuas Roupinho, ended up taking the town and defeating the Saracen troops commanded by King Gámir of Mérida.

In this context, the castle was later handed over to D. Fuas Roupinho, who became the first mayor of the town of Porto de Mós.

During the reign of King Dinis, the fortress underwent major improvements and in 1305 the town of Porto de Mós was granted a charter.

As proof of the town’s importance in the national context, King Dinis offered Porto de Mós to his wife, Queen Isabel.

In 1385, the castle of Porto de Mós once again played a decisive role in what was to become a landmark in Portuguese history, the Battle of Aljubarrota, by housing the troops of João I and Nuno Álvares Pereira during the nights before the battle, during which the war strategies that were to give the country its definitive independence were planned.

After the death of King João I, the castle’s domain was bequeathed to his daughter and son-in-law, the Dukes of Bragança, and by heredity to his grandson D. Afonso, 2nd Duke of Bragança, 4th Count of Ourém and 1st Marquis of Valença, also grandson of the Constable Nuno Álvares Pereira.

It was in his hands that the medieval structure went from being a watchtower to a residential palace.

During the second half of the 15th century, D. Afonso, a cultured and well-traveled man, under strong Renaissance influences that were beginning to awaken in Europe, began restoration work on the castle, visible to this day, which was later preserved and expanded by his descendants.

Since 1910, Porto de Mós Castle has been classified as a National Monument.