Lamego Castle

Lamego Castle stands on the highest ground in the city, at 543 metres above sea level, and has been a National Monument since 1910. According to Turismo Militar its construction predates the founding of Portugal, and the keep dates from the 12th century.

From the walls you can see the Coura, Balsemão and Varosa rivers, which helps explain why this spot was chosen to watch over the land around Lamego.

The castle

• The keep has a square plan and stands about twenty metres high; some of the original arrow slits were altered in the 16th century and turned into windows.
• The parade ground is an irregular hexagon, inside a walled enclosure that follows the terrain.
• Two gates lead in: the Porta do Sol to the south and the Porta da Vila to the north.
• Inside, the keep has three floors, with wooden stairs and floors.

The cistern and the Centro de Memória

Outside the walls lies the cistern, from the 13th century, about twenty metres long by ten wide. Built of cut stone and covered by a ribbed pointed vault, it is described as one of the best examples of cisterns in Portuguese castles.

Reopened in November 2013 after restoration, it now works as a Centro de Memória: multimedia presentations with a soundscape evoking 800 years of everyday sounds, such as bells, roosters and processions.

Practical information

For opening times and visiting conditions, the Lamego municipality lists a general contact on its website (254 609 600, geral@cm-lamego.pt); always confirm locally. In the same city you can combine the visit with the Sé Catedral de Lamego and the Museu de Lamego.