Greetings to our magnificent Portuguese castles. While Portugal may not possess the vast number of renowned castles and palaces found in other European nations, the few it does have are truly awe-inspiring.
If you’re planning a journey to Portugal or are presently exploring the country, we have compiled a list of the finest castles for you to visit. I particularly adore the incorporation of vibrant colors in some of these architectural wonders.
1. Brejoeira Palace
Discover the Neoclassical beauty of Brejoeira Palace, situated in Monção, Portugal. This architectural gem, constructed in the 18th century by the talented Carlos Amarante, was bestowed the honor of being classified as a National Monument in 1919. Today, it graciously welcomes the public.
Brejoeira Palace Highlights:
Location: Monção, Portugal
Era: 18th Century
Architect: Carlos Amarante
Architectural Style: Neoclassical
Current Status: National monument, open to the public
Ownership: Portuguese Republic
2. Belém Tower
Prepare to be enchanted by the defensive fortress of Belém Tower, guarding the Tagus River in Lisbon, Portugal. Constructed in the early 16th century during the peak of the Portuguese Renaissance, this masterpiece was commissioned by King Manuel I of Portugal. The tower, showcasing the Portuguese Manueline style, has earned the prestigious distinction of being classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Belém Tower Highlights – Tagus River:
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Era: 16th Century
Builder: King Manuel I of Portugal
Architectural Style: Portuguese Manueline
Current Status: UNESCO World Heritage Site, open to the public
Ownership: Portuguese Republic
3. Buçaco Palace
Step into the lap of luxury at Buçaco Palace, originally built as a royal residence in 1888 by King Charles I of Portugal. Nestled within the picturesque Serra do Buçaco mountain range, this palace showcases a captivating blend of Manueline and Gothic architectural styles. Today, it stands as one of the world’s most exquisite and historically significant hotels.
Buçaco Palace Highlights:
Location: Mealhada, Portugal
Era: 1888
Builder: King Charles I of Portugal
Architectural Style: Manueline-Gothic
Current Function: Luxury hotel
Ownership: Portuguese Republic
4. Almourol Castle
Prepare to be mesmerized by Almourol Castle, a medieval fortress perched upon the islet of Almourol in the Tagus River. Located in the civil parish of Praia do Ribatejo, this castle is widely regarded as Portugal’s most magnificent. Legend has it that it was founded on the remains of an ancient castle dating back to the 1st century. Originally part of the Templar Knights’ defensive line, the castle was abandoned when the order was disbanded. However, it was reconstructed in the 19th century and later served as the official residence of the Portuguese Republic.
Almourol Castle Highlights:
Location: Almourol, Portugal
Era: Unknown
Builder: Unknown
Architectural Style: Medieval
Current Function: Official residence of the Portuguese Republic
Ownership: Portuguese Republic
5. Óbidos Castle
Unveil the beauty of Óbidos Castle, a remarkably preserved medieval fortress built in the 13th century by Queen Catherine of Austria, wife of King John III. This architectural marvel, located in the civil parish of Santa Maria, São Pedro e Sobral da Lagoa, boasts a harmonious blend of Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, and Manueline elements. For over 800 years, it has stood as a guardian over the region.
Óbidos Castle Highlights:
Location: Óbidos, Portugal
Era: 13th century
Builder: Queen Catherine of Austria
Architectural Style: Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, and Manueline
Current Function: National monument
Ownership: Portuguese Republic
6. Mafra National Palace
Prepare to be awe-struck by the grandeur of Mafra National Palace, an imposing Baroque and Italianized Neoclassical palace-monastery situated in Mafra, Portugal. Constructed during the reign of King John V, this palace served as a secondary residence for the royal family. Designed by the esteemed architect João Frederico Ludovice, it was declared a national monument in 1907 and was a finalist for the Seven Wonders of Portugal.
Mafra National Palace Highlights:
Location: Mafra, Portugal
Era: 18th century
Builder: King John V
Architectural Style: Baroque and Italian-Neoclassical
Current Function: National monument
Ownership: Portuguese Republic
7. Mateus Palace
Experience the splendor of Mateus Palace, located in the civil parish of Mateus, municipality of Vila Real. This architectural masterpiece was erected in the first half of the 18th century, with the skilled Nicolau Nasoni playing a significant role in its construction. Today, the palace is under the ownership of the Mateus Foundation, hosting a variety of cultural activities.
Mateus Palace Highlights:
Location: Vila Real, Portugal
Era: 18th century
Builder: Nicolau Nasoni
Architectural Style: Baroque
Current Function: Cultural events venue
Ownership: Mateus Foundation
8. Palace of the Dukes of Braganza
Step into history at the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, a medieval estate situated in the historic center of Guimarães. Constructed in the 15th century by order of D. Afonso de Barcelos, the first Duke of Braganza, this palace served as the former residence of noble lineage. Today, it stands as a Historical Museum, preserving the rich heritage within its walls.
Palace of the Dukes of Braganza Highlights:
Location: Guimarães, Portugal
Era: 15th century
Builder: D. Afonso de Barcelos
Architectural Style: Norman architecture/Gothic style
Current Function: Historical Museum
Ownership: Portuguese Republic
9. Estoi Palace
Discover the exquisite neo-Baroque and neo-Rococo features of Estoi Palace. Built in the 18th century, this palace served as the residence of Francisco José Carvalhal e Vasconcelos, a member of the royal court. After remaining in the family’s possession for generations, it was acquired by the City Council of Faro in 1987. Today, Estoi Palace stands as a luxurious hotel.
Estoi Palace Highlights:
Location: Faro, Portugal
Era: 18th century
Builder: Francisco José Carvalhal e Vasconcelos
Architectural Style: Neo-Baroque/Neo-Rococo
Current Function: Luxury hotel
Ownership: City Council of Faro
10. Pena Palace
Immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of Pena Palace, a Romanticist castle located in the municipality of Sintra on the Portuguese Riviera. Completed in the 18th century, this castle is a harmonious blend of eclectic styles, including Neo-Gothic, Neo-Manueline, Neo-Islamic, and Neo-Renaissance. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pena Palace serves as a venue for state occasions hosted by the President of the Portuguese Republic and other
government officials.
Pena Palace Highlights:
Location: Sintra, Portugal
Era: 18th century
Builder: Wilhelm Ludwig von Eschwege
Architectural Style: Romanticism (Neo-Gothic, Neo-Manueline, Neo-Islamic, and Neo-Renaissance)
Current Function: National monument, UNESCO World Heritage Site
Ownership: Portuguese Republic
11. Queluz National Palace
Delve into the history of Queluz National Palace, the former manor house of Dom Pedro of Braganza, who later became the king consort to Queen Maria I. Constructed in the 17th century, this palace became the official residence of the Portuguese prince regent John VI and his family. Today, it serves as a museum and guest house for foreign heads of state visiting Portugal.
Queluz National Palace Highlights:
Location: Queluz, Portugal
Era: 17th century
Builder: Dom Pedro of Braganza
Architectural Style: Rococo
Current Function: Museum, open to the public, tourist attraction
Ownership: Portuguese Republic
12. Quinta da Regaleira
Embark on a journey through history at Quinta da Regaleira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site near the historic center of Sintra. This site holds a rich history dating back thousands of years, with influences from the Iron Age, Roman conquest, and Moorish presence. Acquired by the first king of Portugal after the conquest of Lisbon in 1147, the estate later transformed into a royal palace. However, it wasn’t until 1904, under the ownership of António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro, that the estate underwent a unique transformation, becoming the palace we see today.
Quinta da Regaleira Highlights:
Location: Sintra, Portugal
Era: Unknown/Reconstructed in the 19th century
Builder: Unknown/Reconstructed by António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro
Architectural Style: Neo-Manueline
Current Function: UNESCO World Heritage Site
Ownership: Sintra Town Council
13. Sintra National Palace
Uncover the magnificence of Sintra National Palace, situated in the town of Sintra, within the Lisbon District of Portugal. Built on the remnants of a Moorish palace dating back to the 11th century, this present-day historic house museum was constructed in the 15th century to serve as the residence of the royal family. As the best-preserved medieval royal residence in Portugal, it proudly holds a place in the UNESCO World Heritage site.
Sintra National Palace Highlights:
Location: Sintra, Portugal
Era: 15th century
Builder: Unknown
Architectural Style: Manueline
Current Function: UNESCO World Heritage Site
Ownership: Portuguese Republic
These castles and palaces are testament to Portugal’s rich architectural heritage and historical significance. Explore their splendor and let them transport you to a bygone era of elegance and grandeur.