Vila Nova de Cerveira Castle

Vila Nova de Cerveira Castle, locally known as Castelo de Vila Nova de Cerveira, lies in the center of the town with the same name in the Alto Minho region in Portugal.

The castle, built on a small hill overlooking the Minho River, which now forms the border with Spain, was first mentioned in the 13th century. It is believed that at that time is consisted only of a defensive tower. Under King Denis of Portugal (1279-1325), the castle was either rebuilt or strengthened.

At the start of the 1383-1385 Portuguese interregnum, the townspeople and the castle warden remained loyal to Castile. But in 1385, when a Portuguese army marched toward the town, the castle warden and the townspeople quickly submitted to King John I of Portugal. The population’s loyalty was again tested during the Portuguese Restoration War in the mid-17th century. In 1643, Spanish troops attempted to take the town after crossing the river but were repelled by fierce local resistance.

In response to that siege, the remainder of the 17th century saw Vila Nova de Cerveira Castle strengthened by adapting it for artillery use. Also, a new fort was built, north of the town, Fort São Francisco de Lovelhe. Together with that fort, and a 15th-century watchtower in the hills to the east, the castle formed a defensive line on the left bank of the Minho River.

In 1809, during the Second French Invasion, in the course of the Peninsular War, led by General Soult, French forces attempted to cross the Minho at this point. The defenders forced them back, compelling the French to find another crossing place. Later, during the 19th century, the castle lost its military importance. This led to its keep being torn down in 1844 and the castle being absorbed into the urban fabric.

The castle features a roughly oval plan. It originally consisted of an outer and inner walled circuit. The outer wall, once encircling the entire hilltop, has almost completely vanished. The neighborhood inside the inner enclosure was renovated in the late 20th century. A hotel and restaurant were also implemented, but closed down in 2008.

Today, Vila Nova de Cerveira Castle is freely accessible. The small neighborhood inside its walls feels deserted. Access to the castle is through a small chapel beside the main gate. It's a nice castle with an abandoned vibe, located in a quiet riverside border town.

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