Vila Viçosa Castle

Vila Viçosa Castle, locally known as Castelo de Vila Viçosa, lies in the town of the same name in the Alentejo Central region in Portugal.

The exact founding date of the castle is unknown. The town received its charter in 1270 from Afonso III of Portugal, and construction may have started soon afterward. However, it was completed during the reign of Afonso's son and successor, Denis of Portugal, in the first quarter of the 14th century, along with the town walls. There may have been an earlier Muslim or even Roman fortification.

In the 2nd half of the 14th century, Vila Viçosa Castle underwent significant renovations. In the 1380s, it and other castles were donated by John I of Portugal to the Constable of Portugal, Nuno Álvares Pereira, as a reward for his services. His grandson, Fernando, Count of Arraiolos, was granted the castle in 1422. Fernando became the 2nd Duke of Braganza in 1461 after his father and made Vila Viçosa his primary residence. His son, Fernando II, the 3rd Duke of Braganza, was accused of treason by King John II and was beheaded in Évora in 1483. As a consequence, the family was banished and went into exile in Castile, and the castle fell under royal control.

In 1498, the Braganzas were pardoned by Manuel I of Portugal, and their possessions, including Vila Viçosa Castle, were returned to them. The new Duke of Braganza, Jaime, however, declined to live in the castle because it reminded him of his executed father. Instead, he built a new palace northwest of the town. Nevertheless, he reinforced the castle by adding a moat and 2 round bastions.

Between 1663 and 1664, during the Portuguese Restoration War, the castle was further fortified by modernizing its walls to accommodate artillery. This upgrade allowed the castle to withstand an attack by Spanish troops in 1665. After the war ended in 1668, the castle apparently lost its strategic importance.

The castle and medieval town are situated on an elongated hill. The old town still preserves its medieval walls, with 3 gates and a separate keep. The castle, located in a corner of the town walls, has a square layout with two large round bastions at opposite corners.

Today, it is owned by the Casa de Bragança Foundation and serves as an archaeological and hunting museum. Vila Viçosa Castle can be visited for a fee during opening hours. It presents a very austere, strong appearance. Together with the medieval town, it is definitely worth a visit.

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