Palmela's Castle — Attraction in Palmela

Having had enough of the long tourist queues waiting in line for the famous attractions in Lisbon, we decided to move away from the crowds. With our rental car we crossed the 3 km long "25-april bridge" over the Tagus river. Driving in the direction of port city Setúbal, we made a stopover to visit Pamela's Castle (Castelo de Palmela). We ignored the hotel and restaurant in the castle, being interested only in the castle itself with its long history and views in all compass directions on e.g. Setúbal that we wanted to see later.

With hardly any other tourists around, we could freely traverse the castle, having a look around inside and outside, and enjoy various amazing views. Entrance is free, and lots of parking space near the castle. Ramps and stairs are inevitable, and is part of the game.

It is easy to overlook the small museum of Roman remains. It emphasizes the long history of this castle. Some scholars even think that its origins lie in centuries before Christ. More certain are the castle's existence during the Islamic (8th to 12th) centuries.

There is a former chapel, devoid of all religious attributes, but with still some memorial stones visible in the floor.

Anyway, the perfect place to dwell around and regain your peace of mind, very welcome after having stayed some days in...

Palmela Castle in Portugal is a truly fascinating place, offering both historical depth and breathtaking views. During my visit to Montijo, I had the chance to explore this remarkable site, and it was an unforgettable experience.

From a historical perspective, the origins of the castle date back to the Roman era. However, it gained significant importance during the 8th century under Muslim rule. In the 12th century, it was conquered by King Afonso I of Portugal (Afonso Henriques) and incorporated into the Christian world. Later, the Knights of the Order of Santiago transformed it into a monastery.

In terms of scenery, the castle offers a stunning panoramic view of the Tagus River, Lisbon, Setúbal, and the Arrábida Mountains. Especially at sunset, the golden hues covering the valleys and the ocean create a breathtaking, almost painting-like landscape.

Walking through the historic walls, stepping on the ancient stone pathways, and admiring the Gothic architecture of the Church of Santa Maria was truly mesmerizing. It felt like a journey through time, witnessing the legacy left behind by different civilizations over the centuries.

If you're looking for a destination in Portugal that combines history, nature, and spectacular views, Palmela Castle is definitely...

Palmela Castle

Type: castle Located within: a church, pousada Time spent: 40-60 min Path for disabled: available WC: available Parking: available Bike parking: not available Price: free

A National Monument is situated between the estuaries of the River Tagus and Sado River, near the mouth of the latter. It is part of the Costa Azul, in Arrábida Natural Park. Some scholars point to the date of 310 BC for the founding of a settlement on the current location, fortified at the time of Romanization of the Iberian Peninsula in 106, by a Praetor of Lusitania, named Áulio Cornelius. Modern archaeological research proves, however, that the subsequent occupation of this site was uninterrupted, initially by the Visigoths and later the Muslims, the latter responsible for the primitive fortification between the eighth century and the ninth, greatly expanded between the tenth century...