Ourém Castle is one of Portugal’s most innovative 15th century military architectural works. Commissioned by the Count of Ourém, the grandson of D. Nuno Álvares Pereira, the castle has a compact structure with modern active defensive system, including two large pentagonal towers that served as bulwarks and offered greater resistance to enemy fire.
There is a palatial residence located behind the towers that served as the Counts’ dwelling. It has the form of a wide tower connected to the bulwarks.
On top of the hill, slightly set back from the palace and the castle, is the primitive 12th century castle of “Abdegas”, that bears the ancient name of this settlement.
|