# Castle of Terena

- **Country:** Portugal
- **Coordinates:** 38.621667, -7.407222
- **Location Text:** (Terena (São Pedro), Alandroal)

The Castle of Terena is a historic military installation located in the civil parish of Terena, within the municipality of Alandroal in the Alentejo Central subregion of Portugal. Situated on elevated terrain near the Church of Nossa Senhora da Boa Nova, this stone masonry structure incorporates brick, tiles, and wood in its construction. While the exact date of its physical erection remains a subject of historical debate, the site's origins are firmly rooted in the 13th century. The earliest known record dates to 1262, when a royal charter was granted by knight Gil Martins and his wife. Some historians suggest actual construction began under King Denis to consolidate the frontier with Castile alongside other key fortresses, while alternative theories propose the standing structure was built later during the reign of King John I in the 15th century.

Recognized for its strategic importance in defending the high Guadiana region, the castle was officially classified as a National Monument of Portugal in 1946. Today, the property is owned by the Portuguese Republic and managed by the DRC Alentejo cultural authority. It remains open to the public, allowing visitors to explore its remaining features, which include portions of the original keep, defensive walls, and distinctive semi-circular towers that face the town. Despite the passage of centuries and the ambiguity surrounding its precise building timeline, the castle stands as a significant testament to the medieval efforts to secure Portugal's borders. Its preservation ensures that the architectural legacy of the Alentejo region continues to be accessible for educational and cultural appreciation.

![Photo of Castle of Terena](http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Castelo%20de%20Terena%20-%20Portugal%20%2826947422464%29.jpg)

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