Abrantes Castle

Abrantes Castle, locally known as Castelo de Abrantes, lies in the town of the same name in the Médio Tejo region in Portugal.

The castle lies on a flat hilltop on the right bank of the Tagus River, dominating the town and its surroundings.

Some sources state that Abrantes Castle may have started out as a Lusitanian hillfort, which was conquered by the Romans in 130 B.C who then used it as a fort also, and that it was subsequently used by the Alans, the Visigoths, and the Moors.

In the first part of the 12th century, during the Reconquista, the town of Abrantes was taken from the Moors by the forces of Afonso I of Portugal. The Tagus river then became the frontline between the Islamic and Christian territories. As a result, the town's defenses were reconstructed and the medieval castle was built, which was then granted to the Military Order of Saint James of the Sword.

The castle then also became a part of the Tagus Line; a defensive line, formed by several castles along the river, amongst which the castles of Almourol, Belver, Torres Novas, and Tomar, to withstand attacks from the Almohad Caliphate.

Under Afonso III of Portugal, the defenses of Abrantes Castle were strengthened, between 1250 and 1303. Afonso III donated the castle to his wife, beginning a tradition of royal patronage by the Queens of Portugal.

As the Reconquista progressed southwards, the Tagus Line, and with it Abrantes Castle, started to lose its strategical importance and in the second half of the 16th century the castle fell into decay. The fact that the castle had been severely damaged during the 1531 Lisbon earthquake probably also was a factor. During that quake, the top 2 floors of the keep were destroyed, amongst other damage.

In the last half of the 17th century, during the Portuguese Restoration War, Abrantes regained military importance. Peter II of Portugal therefore had the castle and town's defenses rebuilt, transforming it into a modern stronghold with ramparts in Vauban style. This considerably changed the appearance of the castle as its medieval walls were lowered and strengthened. Later, during the 18th century, the castle was adapted for use as barracks, housing a regiment of the Royal Cavalry. In the 1790s, these barracks were expanded and occupied by a legion commanded by the Marquess of Alorna.

During the Peninsular War, Abrantes Castle was twice occupied by French troops, in 1807 and 1810. Later, the castle barracks were deactivated, and the former medieval keep was turned into a military prison.

Abrantes Castle can freely be visited during daytime. A nice castle, even though there isn't much to see inside. Visiting the church will require a fee. The interior of the old keep/prison seems to be permanently closed.

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