Castelo de Porto de Mós

Estremadura & Ribatejo


The green-towered castle was originally a Moorish stronghold. Conquered definitively in 1148 by Dom Afonso Henriques, it was largely rebuilt in 1450 and again after the 1755 earthquake. These days it’s too pristine to be convincingly medieval, but is fun to climb around and has pleasant views across the valley to the Serras de Aire e Candeeiros. Stick around until closing and watch them lock up with a key the size of your forearm.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Estremadura & Ribatejo attractions

1. Estrada Romana

2.67 MILES

About 15 minutes northeast of Porto de Mós by car (and signed from near the castle), a section of ancient Roman road has been converted into a walking…

3. Fórnea

3.25 MILES

Don't miss stunning Fórnea, Europe's largest natural amphitheatre (around 1km in diameter) in the middle of the limestone park. You can enter from two…

4. MCCB

3.76 MILES

This modern, award-winning municipal museum in the centre of town is well worth the visit, taking you through the prehistory and history of the region,…

5. Mosteiro de Santa Maria da Vitória

3.84 MILES

The extraordinary monastery of Batalha was built to commemorate the 1385 Battle of Aljubarrota (fought just south of here). Most of the monument was…

7. Grutas da Moeda

6.27 MILES

These underground caves, 2km northwest of Fátima, are part of the surrounding limestone massif. They were discovered in 1971 when two hunters chased a fox…

8. Grutas de Mira de Aire

7.52 MILES

Portugal’s largest cave system, 14km southeast of Porto de Mós, is very commercial and old-fashioned, although the caves themselves are impressive. The 45…