Top 11 Castles around Rio De Moinhos

Castelo de Redondo is a medieval fortress built in the 13th century by order of King D. Dinis. The castle played a crucial defensive role in the region. Although today, the only things that remain are the perimeter walls, with an irregular perimeter and several quadrangular towers, and part of the old Torre de Menagem (Keep).

Vila Viçosa is known as the "Marble City" and often referred to as the "Royal City." It is located in the heart of the Alentejo region. This charming town is known for its magnificent palaces, marble production, and rich history. Vila Viçosa is a place to relax and discover the region's cultural treasures. A real highlight of Vila Viçosa is the Paço Ducal, the Ducal Palace. This magnificent 16th-century palace was once the residence of the Dukes of Bragança and is a true highlight of Portuguese Renaissance architecture. The palace is surrounded by extensive gardens and houses an impressive collection of works of art, furniture, and historical artifacts. Visitors can explore the palace's magnificent interiors and opulent furnishings, giving them a glimpse into the lives of Portuguese noble families. The Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição is one of the city's most important churches and a truly impressive building. Also known as the "Marble Sanctuary," the church was built from Vila Viçosa's famous marble. It is particularly noted for its elaborate altarpieces and richly decorated interiors. The church is an important place of pilgrimage and a place for reflection and prayer. Vila Viçosa also has a Carriage Museum, the Museu Nacional dos Coches. The museum houses one of the most important collections of historic carriages and coaches in Portugal. The exhibition features magnificent state carriages, hunting carriages, and ceremonial coaches. This provides a wonderful insight into the history and culture of royal journeys and processions. The old town of Vila Viçosa is characterized by narrow, cobblestone streets and white houses with flower-decorated balconies.

The municipality is known for its significant historical and cultural heritage, which includes the Alandroal Castle (its most emblematic monument), historic churches and Roman remains. Alandroal is also part of the Alentejo of wine, with quality wine production. You can stop for a break and enjoy its tranquility and the authenticity of its traditions.

Castelo de Redondo is a medieval fortress built in the 13th century by order of King D. Dinis. The castle played a crucial defensive role in the region. Although today, the only things that remain are the perimeter walls, with an irregular perimeter and several quadrangular towers, and part of the old Torre de Menagem (Keep).

The pousada is a castle built by King Dionysius for Queen Elizabeth of Portugal in the 13th century. It is located in the heart of the old town and is considered one of the most beautiful pousadas in Portugal.

The view of the castle from the west is particularly impressive. There you can clearly see the fortress character with its protruding walls.

Unfortunately, access to the viewing platform and the statue will be closed in May 2025.

Queen Saint Isabel of Aragon (1270-1336), wife of King D. Diniz (1261-1325), died in the Castle of Estremoz, at the age of 66, on July 4, 1336, from a sudden illness that occurred while she was heading to the border on a mission to bring peace between her son, D. Afonso IV (1291-1357), and her grandson, Alfonso XI of Castile (1311-1350). Against everyone's advice, D. Afonso wanted to fulfill his mother's purpose of being buried in the Monastery of Santa Clara. The long journey took place under the blazing July sun and, to everyone's amazement, despite the intense heat, the coffin gave off such a pleasant perfume that "no one had ever seen such a noble odour", as can be read in her first anonymous biography, known as “Legend or Relation”, written immediately after her death by someone who had been close to her, probably her confessor, Friar Salvado Martins, Bishop of Lamego, or one of the owners of Santa Clara who looked after her during her widowhood. The virtues of the Queen, later considered a Saint, were the reason for her beatification by Leo X (1475-1521) in 1516, with authorisation for her worship to be restricted to the Diocese of Coimbra. In 1556, Pope Paul IV (1476-1559) extended the Elizabethan devotion to the entire Kingdom of Portugal. It would be Pope Urban VIII (1568-1664), given the incorruption of the body and the report of miracles, who would proclaim in 1625, the canonization of Isabella of Aragon as a Holy Queen.