Vila Verde dos Francos Castle

Vila Verde dos Francos Castle, locally known as Castelo de Vila Verde dos Francos, lies next to the village of the same name in the Oeste region in Portugal.

In 1160 the settlement and lands of Vila Verde were donated by Afonso I of Portugal to a group of crusaders (then generally known as "Franks"), in recognition for their support in conquering Lisbon, Sintra, Almada, Palmela and Alenquer. Hence its name; Vila Verde dos Francos, literally "Green village of the Franks". Classical Portuguese historiography, however, attributes the construction of the castle to a certain Don Alardo, although this lacks any proof.

Nothing is known about the further history of Vila Verde dos Francos Castle. Already by the 18th century it was being described as in ruins.

The castle is situated on a hill forming a ridge between two valleys, and now consists of only two large stone remnants. In the north a stump of masonry of undetermined use and in the south a stretch of wall with a ruined square tower, which most probably served as a keep. There also used to be the remains of a gate near this tower. This is a Gothic design which fits its dating to the 12th century.

Vila Verde dos Francos Castle can freely be visited. As you can see, not much is left of the castle. Its surroundings are nice, but the castle itself is not interesting enough to warrant a visit.

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