Palmela Castle

Palmela Castle

A castle with a view of two worlds

South of Lisbon, where the land narrows into the green Setúbal peninsula, a long ridge of the Arrábida hills rises above the vineyards. On its highest point stands Palmela Castle, and the view from its walls is one of the grandest in Portugal: to the north, the great city of Lisbon and the silver river Tagus; to the south, the blue Atlantic and the river Sado; and all around, a patchwork of famous vineyards that produce some of the country's finest wines. On a clear day it feels as though you can see half of Portugal at once.

A frontier of the Reconquest

Palmela's commanding hilltop made it a key stronghold during the long struggle to win southern Portugal from the Moors. The castle changed hands more than once in fierce fighting before it was finally secured for the Christian kingdom in the 1100s and 1200s.

After the conquest, the castle and its lands were given to the Order of Santiago, one of the great military orders of warrior monks who helped the kings defend and settle the newly won territories. Palmela became the headquarters of the order in Portugal, and the master of Santiago made his home behind these walls. From this lofty base the knights guarded the southern approaches to Lisbon.

Knights, kings and an earthquake

Over the centuries Palmela saw its share of drama. Kings stayed in the castle, knights of Santiago rode out from its gates, and within the walls a fine church and monastery grew up alongside the fortress. The castle's strong position meant it was never easy to capture, and it remained important long after the frontier had moved far to the south.

Like so many Portuguese buildings, Palmela suffered in the terrible earthquake of 1755, which damaged the church and parts of the castle. But the great walls endured, and the fortress continued to watch over the peninsula.

A castle you can stay in

In modern times, Palmela Castle has been beautifully restored, and part of it — the old monastery of the Order of Santiago — has been turned into a celebrated historic inn, where guests can sleep within the ancient walls and wake to that magnificent view. The castle also hosts a famous wine harvest festival each autumn, celebrating the grapes grown on the slopes below.

Restored and protected

The castle is a national monument, its walls, keep and church preserved and open to visitors. From a frontier fortress of warrior monks it has become a place of rest, celebration and breathtaking views, while keeping its long history close at hand.

Visiting today

Visitors who climb to Palmela Castle can explore the keep and walls, visit the old church of the Order of Santiago, and drink in the unforgettable panorama over Lisbon, the rivers, the sea and the vineyards. With its warrior-monk history, its sweeping views and its famous wines, Palmela is one of the most rewarding castles to visit anywhere near the Portuguese capital.