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There are many doubts about the origins of this castle which is a National Monument. The first specific reference dates from 1198, when the fortress was surrounded by Leon troops, which forced the mayor, D. Rodrigo Mendes, to ask for help to his brother, D. Gonçalo Mendes, mayor of Linhares.
The castle suffered reforms carried out during the reign of King Dinis and during the fourteenth century. The walls have an oval profile, with two doors (south and west) permitting the access to the interior, which may indicate a Romanesque origin.
The tower (which is not the Homage tower – this one would have been in the center) is of rectangular plant with only two floors, but is the highest of those who survived. The access door has a broken arch and originally was reached via a detachable ladder but, in present days, has metal stairs.
In the nineteenth century, the castle was in ruins and much of the stone was used in several works outside the castle. In the years 30-40 of the twentieth century, the set was restored, but according to an idealization of the Middle Ages.
Recently, the tower interior underwent restoration works, having now a tourist information office, an exhibition with archaeological materials collected in the archaeological excavations carried out in the castle, a conference room, and a multimedia area where visitors can have access to an internet café, which will have an area which will serve as a virtual viewpoint, about history, key events and legends related to Celorico de Beira castle.
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Celorico da Beira Castel and Walls
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There are many doubts about the origins of this castle which is a National Monument. The first specific reference dates from 1198, when the fortress was surrounded by Leon troops, which forced the mayor, D. Rodrigo Mendes, to ask for help to his brother, D. Gonçalo Mendes, mayor of Linhares.
The castle suffered reforms carried out during the reign of King Dinis and during the fourteenth century. The walls have an oval profile, with two doors (south and west) permitting the access to the interior, which may indicate a Romanesque origin.
The tower (which is not the Homage tower – this one would have been in the center) is of rectangular plant with only two floors, but is the highest of those who survived. The access door has a broken arch and originally was reached via a detachable ladder but, in present days, has metal stairs.
In the nineteenth century, the castle was in ruins and much of the stone was used in several works outside the castle. In the years 30-40 of the twentieth century, the set was restored, but according to an idealization of the Middle Ages.
Recently, the tower interior underwent restoration works, having now a tourist information office, an exhibition with archaeological materials collected in the archaeological excavations carried out in the castle, a conference room, and a multimedia area where visitors can have access to an internet café, which will have an area which will serve as a virtual viewpoint, about history, key events and legends related to Celorico de Beira castle.
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Centro
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Celorico da Beira
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Serra da Estrela Nature Park
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Município de Celorico da Beira
Identification and Access
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Yes.
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Access from:
- Vilar Formoso – A25 or Guarda A25/N16 (exit 27). Continue to N16. In the roundabout to Celorico da Beira take the 3rd exit. Go straight ahead to R. dos Bombeiros Voluntários. After 23 meters, turn right (direction Castelo).
- Gouveia – N17 (direction A25/Celorico da Beira). In the roundabout, near exit 26 of A25, take the 3rd exit. Turn right and cross over A25. At the next 3 roundabouts keep forward (N102). At the 4th roundabout take the 3rd exit. Continue on that street, with stone pavement, just to R. dos Bombeiros Voluntários. Turn right and follow the signs Castelo.
The streets near the castle are very narrow, so park your car and walk to the castle.
Contacts, Schedules and other informations
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Museum
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Store
Reception of visitors | information office
Exhibition | interpretation space of natural and cultural values
Multi-purpose room
Viewpoint
Open-air Auditorium
Cultural Activities
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No
