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.

Penela preserves three historical entrances: the Porta da Vila (Town Gate), the evocative Porta da Traição (Gate of Treason), with its double opening and Moorish inspiration, and the Porta do Relógio (Clock Gate), a reminder of the old breach where two towers collapsed in the 1755 earthquake.

In short, a castle small in form, but enormous in history.

Translated by Google •

Hans 🌄 🌻🚐🙋‍♂️🚴🚶‍➡️

May 12, 2024

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

Translated by Google •

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Elevation 340 m

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Monday 22 December

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65 %

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Max wind speed: 6.0 km/h

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Location: Penela (São Miguel), Coimbra, Portugal

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