Castle of Linhares

The Castle of Linhares, also known as Castelo de Linhares da Beira, is a significant medieval fortress located in the civil parish of Linhares within the municipality of Celorico da Beira, in the Guarda District of Portugal. Situated at an altitude of 820 meters, this National Monument was constructed between the late 11th and early 12th centuries. The structure exemplifies Romano Gothic architectural style and is defined by two distinct walled stone enclosures. Its defensive layout includes four specific gates, ranging from a barrel-vaulted entrance to the historically named Traitors' Gate, creating a complex access system designed for security during turbulent historical periods.

The fortress features two prominent towers that highlight its evolution over centuries. The rectangular keep, reportedly built by order of the Knights Templar in the 12th century, serves as the highest defensive point and originally featured arrow slits for archers, with balconies added during 14th-century Gothic transformations. The second structure, the clock tower, was introduced during Gothic reforms under Kings Denis and Ferdinand I to provide a more offensive design with numerous narrow crenelations. Although the clock itself is a 17th-century replica, it was connected to an external bell in 1817 to serve the local community by marking the time. Today, the castle stands as a preserved historical landmark, offering insight into Portugal's military architecture and the strategic importance of the Beira region throughout the Middle Ages.