Penela Castle stands atop the rocky outcrop that gave it its name (peñela, "small stone hill"), dominating the town with imposing walls and towers dating from the 15th and 16th centuries. Founded in the 11th century by D. Sesnando Davides, it formed part of the Mondego defensive line, and its walls still reach 19 meters in height today.

From the original fortress arose the castle that later served as a keep. On the walls, facing the Serra da Lousã mountain range, stand out arrow slits and loopholes, marks of its long military life, from arrows to firearms.

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Hans 🌄 🌻🚐🙋‍♂️🚴🚶‍➡️

May 12, 2024

Hiking

beautiful castle, the foundation of which is carved into the rocks

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𝘼𝘾 🏕️

July 5, 2025

Mountain biking

Penela Castle is a medieval fortress with an irregular plan and winding outline, stretching from north to south taking advantage of the natural cliff, so that the walls vary in height between 7 and 19 metres. It was part of the Mondego defensive line during the Christian Reconquista.

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Routes here

Best Road Cycling Rides to Penela Castle

178

riders

1. View of Coimbra – Pedro e Inês Footbridge loop from Montemor

107km

04:47

880m

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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Moderate

158

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2. View of Coimbra – Pedro e Inês Footbridge loop from Montemor

147km

06:46

1,510m

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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Hard

102

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3. Penela Castle – Castelo de Penela loop from Lousã

139km

07:35

2,790m

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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Hard

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Informations

Elevation 280 m

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Location: Penela (São Miguel), Coimbra, Portugal

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Penela Castle

1. View of Coimbra – Pedro e Inês Footbridge loop from Montemor

2. View of Coimbra – Pedro e Inês Footbridge loop from Montemor

3. Penela Castle – Castelo de Penela loop from Lousã

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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