Palmela - Castelo

History

During the Moorish period Palmela had the most formidable fortress in southern Portugal. This was captured by King Afonso Henriques first in 1147 and then finally, after the Moors had retaken it, in 1166 when he had it further enlarged and gave it to the knightly Order of Santiago, who made it their headquarters in the 15th C. In the 18th C. the castle was again strengthened to protection it against attack from artillery as well.