Castelo Branco Castle

Castelo Branco Castle, known as the Castle of the Templars, stands on the hill of Cardosa above Castelo Branco. The Knights Templar received these lands from Afonso Henriques in 1165 and built the first wall between 1214 and 1230, joining the castle to their line of Tomar, Monsanto, Zêzere, Almourol and Pombal.

Parts of the walls and towers remain, and the terrace above them, the Miradouro de São Gens, looks over the city and the plain.

What to see at Castelo Branco Castle

Walls and towers: the remains of the Templar walls on the hilltop.
Church of Santa Maria do Castelo: the church inside the castle grounds, classified as a Property of Public Interest, with medieval tombs, among them that of the poet João Roiz de Castelo Branco.
Viewpoint: the view from the top over the city, the surrounding plain and, on clear days, the Serra da Estrela.

History of Castelo Branco Castle

1165: Afonso Henriques donates the lands of the region to the Order of the Temple, a donation confirmed by Sancho I in 1198.
1214 to 1230: the Templars build the first wall, extending their defensive line.
14th century: under King Afonso IV, a second wall with towers encloses the town that has grown on the slope.
1648: during the War of Restoration, the Spanish offensive causes heavy damage.
Early 19th century: French troops under Junot damage the town again during the Peninsular War.