# Castle of Portalegre

- **Country:** Portugal
- **Coordinates:** 39.291200, -7.430800
- **Location Text:** (Sé e São Lourenço, Portalegre)

The Castle of Portalegre is a prominent Portuguese medieval fortress located in the civil parish of Sé e São Lourenço within the municipality and district of Portalegre. Perched on elevated ground overlooking the older section of the town, the structure is visually striking due to its dark stone walls which contrast sharply with the surrounding whitewashed houses. Originally constructed to serve as a critical defensive stronghold for the frontier zone facing the Crown of Castile, its strategic position made it essential for regional security. The earliest historical records date back to the reign of King Afonso III, who granted the town its first charter in 1259, though significant reinforcement of the castle and city walls occurred under his son, King Denis, starting in 1290.

Throughout its history, the castle played a central role in various military conflicts and internal disputes. King Denis notably attacked his own fortifications in 1299 during a succession dispute with his brother. The defenses were further strengthened in the 16th century and again during the Portuguese Restoration War in the mid-17th century, although they failed to prevent occupation by French and Spanish troops in 1704. The site also saw combat during the Peninsular War against Napoleonic forces in 1808. Despite being classified as a National Monument in 1922, serious restoration efforts did not commence until the 1960s, with additional work completed in the late 1990s.

Today, the Castle of Portalegre stands as a well-preserved historical landmark and serves a cultural purpose. Following extensive renovations, the site now houses the Núcleo Museológico do Castelo, a small museum established in 1999. This institution displays an interesting collection of weaponry ranging from the 15th century up to World War I, offering visitors insight into the military evolution of the region. The castle remains a defining feature of the Portalegre skyline, representing centuries of architectural adaptation and historical significance in eastern Portugal.

![Photo of Castle of Portalegre](http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Muralha%20e%20Museu%20do%20Castelo%20de%20Portalegre%20%28pormenor%29.jpg)

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