# Castle of Lanhoso

- **Country:** Portugal
- **Coordinates:** 41.586944, -8.281389
- **Location Text:** (Póvoa de Lanhoso (Nossa Senhora do Amparo), Póvoa de Lanhoso)

The Castle of Lanhoso is a medieval fortification situated in the civil parish of Póvoa de Lanhoso within the Braga district of northern Portugal. Perched atop a mount that has seen human occupation since the Chalcolithic period, the current structure primarily dates back to reconstruction efforts between 1071 and 1091. Commissioned by Bishop D. Pedro to defend the episcopal seat of Braga, the castle was built using granite ashlar masonry over an earlier pre-Romanic fortress. An epigraphic plate bearing the inscription "PETRIS AEPISCOPUS" historically marked the site, attesting to its ecclesiastical origins and Romanesque architectural influences.

Historically, the castle played a pivotal role in the political struggles of the Iberian Peninsula during the 12th century. It served as a refuge for Theresa of León in 1121 during her conflict with her half-sister, Queen Urraca of León, leading to the signing of the Treaty of Lanhoso. Later, in 1128, following the Battle of São Mamede, Theresa was imprisoned within these walls by her son, Afonso Henriques, who would become the first King of Portugal. These events highlight the site's significance as a strategic stronghold during the formation of the Portuguese nation.

Today, the Castle of Lanhoso stands as a historical monument under the ownership of the Portuguese Republic. While the structure exists largely as remnants of its former glory, visitors can still observe key features such as the keep tower, the base of the fortifications, and battlements topped with merlons approximately three meters high. The site preserves the courtyard and entranceway where a medieval coat-of-arms remains visible. It serves as a tangible link to the region's deep past, offering insights into both ancient settlement patterns and the turbulent dynastic conflicts of the Middle Ages.

![Photo of Castle of Lanhoso](http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Castelo%20de%20Lanhoso.JPG)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castelo_de_Lanhoso (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)