Top 5 Castles in Portugal

Portugal is a country where history talks through every cobbled street, medieval fortress and castle wall. Architectural treasures are scattered throughout the country, witnessing the centuries-long cultural influence, Moorish, Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Whether you are an avid history buff or not, visiting the castles in Portugal should be on the top of your travel list. And with a variety of affordable Portugal tour packages to choose, there is no better time to explore these historic wonders

Here are the Top 5 Castles in Portugal: A Journey Through History and Beauty.

1. Lisbon Castle of Sao Jorg

Located at the top of one of the highest hills of the city of Lisbon, the Castle of Sao Jorge stands overlooking the city and the Tagus River. It was a royal palace that was originally constructed by the Moors in the 11 th century. Tourists are allowed to walk in its gardens, visit its archaeological site and also have panoramic views which are particularly beautiful during sunset.

2. Pena Palace, Sintra

Although technically classified as a palace, Pena is also found in lists of castles due to its fortified look and its fairytale architecture. Perched on top of Sintra mountains, it has a colorful exterior, which is a mix of Romantic, Gothic, and Moorish styles. The beautiful forest with winding pathways is Pena Park that surrounds the palace and provides a good place to take a peaceful walk.

3. Castle of 0bidos

Medieval town of Obidos is surrounded by old walls and the castle is the crowning glory. Nowadays, the castle is a luxury hotel (Pousada), and you still can walk upon the walls and appreciate the beautiful views of the picturesque whitewashed village that is down the hill. 0bidos is also known about its Ginja cherry liqueur, served in chocolate cups.

4. Guimarães Castle

The GuimarAngaeles Castle is also referred to as the cradle of Portugal and is associated with independence of Portugal. Constructed in the 10th century to protect against Viking and Moorish attacks, it was an important part of forging the nation. The steep battlements and towers are ideal to dream of medieval battles of the ancient times.

5. Castle of Tomar

Tomar Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, being part of the Convent of Christ complex, and strongly associated with the Knights Templar. It is a mix between the Gothic, Manueline and the Renaissance style, thus historically important and architecturally intriguing. It is a journey through the corridors which reminds one of the times of knights and secret orders.

Visiting Castles in Portugal Tips

Be prepared – Not every castle is open all the time and some of them are closed in small towns.

Bring comfortable shoes – Most places are on cobblestones and have rough steps.

Go early or late -You get a better experience when you go outside the peak hours.

Mix in local experiences –Taste local wines, cakes, and crafts to get a more complete cultural experience.

Conclusion

Whether it is the colorful towers of the Pena Palace or the isolated splendor of Almourol, the castles in Portugal will take a visitor through centuries of history, art, and culture. Following in the footsteps of knights, medieval villages or just spectacular views of the countryside are just a few of the ways of these castles, a testimony to the Portugal rich culture. These historic treasures do not have to cost a fortune to visit, however, as a wide range of affordable Portugal tour packages will allow you to expand your horizons without having to empty your wallet to do so, which makes your adventure as economical as it is memorable.