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Many of the Portuguese castles and forts were still in use by the army until the 20th century, and some still continue to be occupied by it.
Nowadays there are over 160 castles and fortresses in Portugal alone (excluding the hundreds built along the Empire) distributed by most of the older cities and villages, especially in the borders with Spain. Contrary to most of the castles in the rest of Europe (especially in Central Europe), which were converted into more pleasant palaces as times became more peaceful, the Portuguese castles maintained much of its medieval military characteristics due to the constant invasion threat from Spain. This gives us now the possibility to feel how the true and original castles would have been in the past: strong, practical, rough and harsh strongholds with minimal comfort. Historically, while in the rest of Northern Europe and England many of the castles were still being made of wood, the Portuguese castles were already made of stone as a consequence of the building tradition of the Celt tribe of the Lusitanian’s and the techniques learned from the Romans who occupied Portugal for about 500 years, and later from the Arab invaders who brought innovative construction techniques during the 400 years occupation period. So, when Portugal became independent the castle builders inherited the tall walls and strong towers of the Romans, and fortified gates of the Moors. The constant climate of conquests of new territories to the Arabs as well of defence against Spain during several centuries pushed the Portuguese castles into new heights of sophistication allowing the maintenance of independence, while more powerful kingdoms fell to their enemies. Most of the castles of the 12th century are, in this way, reconstructions of Roman or Arab fortresses, adapted and evolved to cope with the needs of the new times. The simplicity and innovations of the Romanesque architecture were then included. During the 13th and 14th century, with the gothic influence some beautification appeared along new deadly structures to better support archers, oil spouts and higher towers. With the advent of artillery, most of these sophisticated castles became outdated very suddenly, so new fortifications were built from the 15th century on. Now, low structures with large star-shape walls were built to deflect the canon fire and give better spots to counter-attack with cross-fire. These hundreds of new castles were not only built in Portugal but all along the Empire, like in Africa, Asia and South-America, where they still stand until nowadays. Many of these castles and forts were still in use by the army until the 20th century, and some still continue to be occupied by it.
Almourol Castle , Portugal, was once a Templar Knights stronghold during the Reconquista, and is situated on a small rocky island in the middle of the Tagus River.
Silves Castle stands majestically on a hill overlooking the town of Silves in the Algarve region of Portugal.
Flor da Rosa Castle foundations date from the 13th century and were constantly being updated and enlarged through the following centuries
Guimaraes Castle is probably the best known and mythical in Portugal as it represents the birth of the nation
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Portuguese castles have been in existence since the 12th and 13th century when Portugal, the oldest Nation/State in Europe, declared its independence from Castile and Leon. Portugal’s current borders were defined by the middle of the 13th century but she was always going to be surrounded by her enemies and it is natural that the number of castles is particularly high for the size of the country.
