The castle dates from 1306, but was rebuilt after the 1531 earthquake. Exterior stone carving shows unwarlike small bows, the symbol of the Bragança family – the knot symbolises fidelity. The interior is neatly restored, with impressively meaty columns topped by a sinuous arched ceiling on each cavernous floor though there isn't much to see inside. The roof provides sweeping panoramas.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Museu Municipal

8.23 MILES

This museum is housed in a beautiful 17th-century almshouse near the former palace. Pretty hand-painted furniture sits alongside endearing, locally carved…

2. Paço Reial

8.3 MILES

At the top of the upper town is the stark, glowing-white, fortress-like former royal palace, now the Pousada de Rainha Santa Isabel. Dom Dinis built the…

4. Café Águias d’Ouro

8.48 MILES

This photogenic cafe – built in art-nouveau style between 1908 and 1909 – is worth seeing for both the exterior and interior (don’t overlook the upstairs…

5. Lago do Gadanha

8.5 MILES

Near the centre of town stretches this marble-edged water tank, called the Lago do Gadanha after its scythe-wielding statue of Neptune.

6. Cavalry Barracks

8.56 MILES

Just north of the square Rossio Marquês de Pombal, you’ll find a few monastic buildings that were converted into cavalry barracks and today house a modest…

8. Castelo de Arraiolos

15.05 MILES

It's worth making the ascent up to the Arraiolos castle for fine views over the countryside. The original structure dates from the 14th century, and it's…