Penedono Castle

Classified as a national monument on June 16, 1910. It is a military monument in the Romanesque-Gothic style, with a 16th-century architectural profile, believed to represent a contemporary construction of the new charter granted to the town of Penedono by King Manuel I in 1512. However, it is from the 10th century onwards that the historical facts of the fortification erected on top of the hill are documented. It has an irregular hexagonal plan formed by three thick walls. Under the main tower, the cistern is preserved, which is polygonal in section and covered with a cross vault with ogives. This is the birthplace of the famous Magriço, Álvaro Gonçalves Coutinho, one of the Twelve of England glorified and eternalized by Camões in the Lusíadas (Canto VI), who was involved in the struggles for independence. This 16th century symbol of municipal autonomy is of the stylized cage type, a constructive detail due to the elegance of the galbo. It is made up of five granite steps, cut in an octagon shape, which serve as the base for the high monolithic, prismatic shaft on which the finial rests, made up of eight columns, ending in a fanciful pinnacle. A cylindrical cornice topped by an iron grimpa surmounts the dome in a semi-spherical calotte. Property of Public Interest.