Castelo de Mourão

Portugal, Portugal

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Castelo de Mourão in Mourão, Portugal, was first fortified in the 13th century during King Sancho II's reign around 1223-1248 after reconquest from Moorish forces, receiving a charter from Afonso III in 1254 and further development under Dinis who renewed privileges in 1296-1298.

This Gothic medieval stronghold features an irregular trapezoidal enclosure of schist, marble, and granite walls reinforced by six quadrangular towers, Gothic-arched gates flanked by turrets, and a prominent keep tower opening to the central square, with 16th-century enhancements by architects Francisco and Diogo de Arruda including a barbican and moat.

Reformed in the 17th century by Nicolau de Langres with Vauban-inspired bastions, ravelins, and double ramparts for the Restoration War, it declined post-18th century but retains substantial ruins classified as a Public Interest property overlooking the Alqueva reservoir.