Approximately equidistant from the cities of Évora and Beja, the castle stands at the southern foot of the hill of S. Vicente, in a dominant position over the old part of the town. It is considered, along with the Castle of Alvito, one of the most notable fortified architectural complexes of the late Gothic period. Its name, Viana do Alentejo, is linked to the noble title of the Meneses family, the first counts of Viana, who distinguished themselves in the Portuguese campaigns in Morocco in the 15th century.