# Castle of Lousa

- **Country:** Portugal
- **Coordinates:** 38.359353, -7.403200
- **Location Text:** (Luz, Mourão)

The Castle of Lousa, known locally as Castelo da Lousa, is a historic fortress situated in the municipality of Mourão within the Évora District of Portugal. Strategically located in the Alentejo region, its coordinates place it at approximately 38 degrees north latitude and 7 degrees west longitude. The site holds significant cultural value and has been officially classified as a national monument of Portugal since 1970, ensuring its protection under state heritage laws. This designation highlights its importance within the broader context of Portuguese military architecture and regional history.

While specific details regarding the exact year of construction and the original architectural style are not explicitly detailed in the available summary records, the castle is recognized as a classical site of note. It is distinct from the similarly named Castelo da Lousã, avoiding common geographical confusion. The structure has been documented in authoritative sources such as The Princeton Encyclopedia of Classical Sites, which underscores its relevance to historical studies of the Iberian Peninsula. Photographic evidence from the early twenty-first century shows that the walls of the castle remain standing, offering visitors views of the surrounding landscape.

Today, the Castle of Lousa serves primarily as a preserved historical landmark and a point of interest for those exploring the castles of the Évora District. Its condition as a national monument suggests ongoing efforts to maintain the integrity of the ruins for public appreciation and educational purposes. Although it may not function as an active residence or military outpost, its enduring presence in Mourão stands as a testament to the region's fortified past. The site continues to be categorized among the key defensive structures of Portugal, inviting historical inquiry and tourism to this part of the Alentejo.

![Photo of Castle of Lousa](http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Castelo%20da%20Lousa%2001.JPG)

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