Alvito Castle

Alvito Castle, locally known as Castelo de Alvito, lies in a town of the same name in the Baixo Alentejo region in Portugal.

Alvito Castle was built between 1494 and 1504 by Diogo Lobo da Silveira, Baron of Alvito. Although his father had already received permission to build a castle in Alvito in 1481. The castle was built more like a fortified palace than a real military fortress.

During the rest of the 16th century, the castle underwent restorations several times, to strengthen and embellish it. In 1531, it was the temporary residence of the royal couple; John III of Portugal and Catherine of Austria, who had come here to escape a plague epidemic in Évora. Their son Manuel was born here. He was destined to follow up his father, but died in infancy. The castle was again restored in 1777.

The last Baron of Alvito sold his castle to the House of Braganza at the end of the 19th century, but he and his wife were allowed to keep living in it until their deaths. He died in 1917 and his wife in 1936. In the meantime, ownership of Alvito Castle had passed to the Casa de Bragança Foundation, which still owns it to this day.

During the 20th century, the castle was restored several times. At present, it is part of a national chain of luxury hotels in historic buildings.

The castle has a rectangular plan with 3 round corner towers and one D-shaped one. It has a square keep in the midst of the northwest curtain wall.

Alvito Castle is now a luxury hotel and part of a nationwide chain of luxury, traditional or historical hotels in Portugal, called Pousadas de Portugal. It is obviously only accessible for guests, but sometimes it also serves as a venue for cultural activities. A beautiful little castle in a sleepy town.

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