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Castelo de Belmonte

Castles & palaces ·Belmonte ·Closed
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#1Things to do in Belmonte Castelo Branco District Central PortugalMost reviewed in Belmonte
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About

Castelo de Belmonte is a medieval fortress in Belmonte, Portugal, on a hill above the left bank of the Zêzere River in the Serra da Estrela region.

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Castelo de Belmonte — Castle tower and white manor house on the rocky hillside

Castelo de Belmonte — Castle tower and white manor house on the rocky hillsideCastelo de Belmonte — Belmonte Castle’s tall tower and outer walls from the sideCastelo de Belmonte — Stone castle courtyard with a curved outdoor amphitheatreCastelo de Belmonte — Tiered stone seating in the castle’s open-air amphitheatreCastelo de Belmonte — Arched stone entrance set between the castle wallsCastelo de Belmonte — Rounded stone passageway framing the castle’s wooden entrance doorCastelo de Belmonte — Interior castle walls and upper walkways seen from the courtyardCastelo de Belmonte — Ornate Manueline window with slender columns in the castle wallCastelo de Belmonte — Stone balcony window with carved supports beneath the opening

Why go

  • The castle’s ties to navigator Pedro Álvares Cabral connect it with Portuguese exploration and Brazil.
  • Museum spaces in the keep and Sala Oitocentista cover Belmonte and the castle’s history.

Opening hours

TodayClosedShow all
MondayClosed
Tuesday09:00 – 12:30, 14:00 – 17:30
Wednesday09:00 – 12:30, 14:00 – 17:30
Thursday09:00 – 12:30, 14:00 – 17:30
Friday09:00 – 12:30, 14:00 – 17:30
Saturday09:00 – 12:30, 14:00 – 17:30
Sunday09:00 – 12:30, 14:00 – 17:30

Don't miss

  • Main entranceLook for the armillary sphere and Cabral coat of arms above the round-arched portal.South-facing entrance
  • Manueline windowThis window from the first half of the 16th century has a trilobed lintel and the Cabral and Castro coats of arms.Palace exterior
  • Old palace ruinsRemains of the palace enlarged on the orders of Pedro Álvares Cabral’s father adjoin the keep.West of the keep

Know before you go

  • Tuesday–Sunday, 09:00–12:30 and 14:00–17:30; closed 12:30–14:00.

What's inside

  • An outdoor amphitheatre stands inside the castle.

Interesting facts3

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  1. 615 metres

    The castle stands 615 metres above sea level.

    Castle of Belmonte (Belmonte) - Wikipedia

  2. Cross-shaped loopholes punctuate the castle’s masonry.

    Château de Belmonte (Portugal) - Wikipedia

  3. The building beside the main gate served as a prison in the early 20th century.

    Château de Belmonte (Portugal) - Wikipedia

Shorts

History

Built over an earlier defensive system, the castle gained a tower by order of D. Afonso III. After conflict and repairs, the Cabral family adapted it as a residence.

  1. 1199King Sancho I granted Belmonte a Foral charter.
  2. 13th c.The castle was built over an earlier defensive system.
  3. 1258D. Afonso III authorized D. Egas Fafe to build a tower at the castle.
  4. 1297The Alcañices Treaty reduced the castle’s strategic importance as the town expanded beyond its walls.
  5. 1383–1385The castle backed Beatrice during the succession crisis; King John I conquered it, and part of its walls was lost.
Show all
  1. 1397–1398After the keeper supported Infante D. Dinis, João I confiscated the town and castle and granted them to Luís Álvares Cabral.
  2. 1466D. Afonso V granted the town and castle to Fernão Cabral, who adapted the military building as a residence.
  3. 15th c.Luís Álvares Cabral rebuilt the north wall and added the Porta da Traição and a reinforcing tower.
  4. Restoration WarThe castle’s defences were modernized with several bastions.
  5. 1694A fire damaged the castle’s interior.
  6. 1940s–1960sConservation and restoration work took place.

Photo spots

  • Panoramic windowsWindows added to the west wall show later changes to the castle.West wall

How to get there

  • On footAddress: Largo do Castelo, Belmonte, Portugal

Sources: Castle of Belmonte (Belmonte) - Wikipedia · Castelo de Belmonte – Município de Belmonte · Château de Belmonte (Portugal) - Wikipedia · Castelo de Belmonte - Wikipedia · checked 11 Oct 2026

Where
Largo do Castelo, Belmonte

Plan from here: A day out →

Questions and answers

Is Castelo de Belmonte a National Monument?

Yes. It was declared a National Monument by a decree published on 15 October 1927.

Does Castelo de Belmonte have a performance space?

An outdoor amphitheatre was built inside the castle in 1992 for performances.

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