Portugal is a country full of history from north to south, that establishes the glory of our ancestors. We have monuments representing the wonders of Portugal, including some of Portugal's castles! In this context, Guerin is pleased to present a list of 10 castles of Portugal with the greatest historical impact. Choose your favourite castles and start organizing an itinerary to visit them, with the help of Guerin where you can rent the right car for this trip!

 

Get to know the Castles of Portugal

 

1. Castelo de São Jorge, Lisboa

 

Located in the center of Lisbon, São Jorge Castle was originally a fortification from the Islamic period. Conquered by the first king of Portugal in 1147, the castle had its impact as the administrative center of the kingdom, where its purpose served as the Royal Palace to house the king and his entire court. It was here that the country's kings were proclaimed from the 14th to the 16th century. Go to Alfragide station and visit this emblematic castle!

 

2. Castelo de Óbidos, Óbidos

 

Located in Santa Maria, Óbidos Castle and the entire urban area of Óbidos are classified as a national monument. By 1932, the castle was part of the first consolidation, reconstruction and restoration interventions due to the 1755 earthquake. Visit Guerin station at Caldas da Rainha and have an unforgettable experience at Óbidos Castle!

 

3. Castelo de Silves, Algarve

Silves Castle is in the south of Portugal, in the Algarve region, and it’s considered one of the largest and best-preserved castles in the country. It’s a typical example of the Islamic military architecture and was the target of several sieges by the Portuguese, having been finally taken by D. Afonso III, already in the 13th century. Rent a car of your choice at Portimão station and visit this castle!

 

4. Castelo de Monsaraz, Évora

 

Located in Évora, Monsaraz Castle enjoys a privileged view over the Alqueva dam and was essential in the line of defense of the border with the kingdom of Castile. The fortifications and the entire set within the walls of the village of Monsaraz are classified as a National Monument by Decree published on January 2, 1946. Visit our station in Évora and enjoy all the history behind Monsaraz Castle!

 

5. Castelo de Guimarães, Guimarães

Guimarães Castle dates to the 9th century and is recognized as the birthplace of Portugal, and the birthplace of the first King of Portugal, D. Afonso Henriques. This Castle is linked to the foundation of Condado Portucalense and to the struggles for the independence in Portugal. The highly conserved castle is open for visits, so take advantage of our Guerin station in Guimarães and discover an icon of Portugal.

 

6. Castelo dos Mouros, Sintra

 

Mouros Castle, also known as Castelo de Sintra, was originally built when Sintra was still a Muslim territory until it was in the hands of the Portuguese by the 12th century. In 1995, the Sintra region was declared a Cultural Landscape and World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Go to Cacém station and enjoy a tour full of scenery of Castelo de Sintra!

 

7. Castelo de Tomar, Santarém

 

Tomar Castle became the seat of the Knights Templar, the protectors of the first capital of the Kingdom of Portugal. Including 12th century buildings, this castle is a UNESCO world heritage site. Go to Leiria station, and enjoy a weekend to get to know Tomar, and a castle full of history!

 

8. Castelo de Santa Maria da Feira, Aveiro

 

Santa Maria da Feira Castle is one of the best examples of medieval military architecture in the country. Restored in 1940, it was also one of the most important strongholds for the country's independence. Enjoy the station in Santa Maria da Feira and visit this castle and all the stories it must tell.

 

9. Castelo de Bragança, Bragança

 

Bragança Castle represents one of the most preserved and imposing castles in Portugal. Built in 1187 and restored in 1930, it has stunning views of Montesinho, Sanabria, Rebordões and the Nogueira mountains from the top of Torre da Homenagem. Take advantage of Bragança station and go to this Castle and admire all its features!

 

10. Castelo de Penedono, Viseu

 

Also known as Magriço Castle, Penedono Castle is located on the top of a rock, 947 meters high. Triangular, small and fortified, it was built in the 10th century and rebuilt in the 16th century. According to visitors, they advise you to visit this Castle at the end of the day, at sunset, to enjoy the view. Go through Viseu station, and take the opportunity to visit this very special place!