Castelo de Mós

Quintana das Centieras, Portugal, Portugal

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The Castelo de Mós is a well-preserved medieval fortress in the rural parish of Quintana das CenTenarias (sometimes referenced as Centieras), near Fronteira in Portugal's Portalegre district, strategically positioned to guard the eastern borderlands.

Originally a modest Muslim watchtower overtaken by Christian forces around 1147 during Afonso Henriques' conquests, its current robust form dates to major construction under King Sancho I circa 1200, featuring an irregular pentagonal layout with high granite walls, four cylindrical corner towers, a central rectangular keep, and a cistern amid ongoing Reconquista threats.

Granted a charter by D. Dinis in 1302 and reinforced through the 14th-15th centuries—including a homiziados sanctuary for fugitives by 1450 to repopulate the depopulated area—it declined after the 17th century but was classified a National Monument in 1910, now offering panoramic views over Alentejo plains.