Castle of Numão

Castle of Numão (Castelo de Numão) is a medieval fortress in northern Portugal, in the civil parish of Numão, municipality of Vila Nova de Foz Côa, Guarda district. It crowns a hilltop in the Douro region, close to the famous Côa Valley rock-art sites, and has watched over the surrounding land from about 704 metres above sea level.

Where is the Castle of Numão?

The ruins sit at roughly 41.10° N, 7.29° W, on a hill rising above the village of Numão. Topographic data give the hill about 154 metres of prominence, with the nearest higher summit almost three kilometres away. That isolation gives wide views, and it made the spot a natural lookout for its defenders. Among Portuguese peaks ranked by prominence, the hill is 5th in the municipality of Vila Nova de Foz Côa and 18th in Guarda district.

What is the history of the castle?

Human presence in the area goes back to the Neolithic. The Lusitanians are believed to have lived here later, before the region passed under Roman rule. The first known mention of the castle dates to 960. Christian Reconquest forces are thought to have taken the area around 1055.

After Portugal's independence in 1139, King Afonso Henriques ordered the fortress rebuilt, and work continued under his successor, Sancho I. The castle formed part of the defensive network overseeing the frontier and routes of the Douro valley.

Why did the castle fall into ruin?

In the 16th century the settlement moved away from the castle's surroundings. The abandoned structure began to decay, and the deterioration lasted into the 20th century. Only in the second half of the 1940s did the national buildings and monuments directorate (DGEMN) carry out restoration work meant to restore the monument's dignity and secure what survived.

What should you know before visiting?

• The castle lies in an area where it is easy to combine a visit with other sights in the Vila Nova de Foz Côa municipality.
• The hill is exposed, so bring sturdy shoes and protection against sun or wind.
• Views are best in clear weather, so pick a day without haze.
• This is a ruin rather than a restored museum site, so do not expect extensive visitor facilities.

Frequently asked questions

How old is the Castle of Numão? It is first mentioned in 960, and it was rebuilt on the orders of Afonso Henriques after Portugal became independent.

Where is it? In the village of Numão, municipality of Vila Nova de Foz Côa, Guarda district.

Has it been restored? Yes, the DGEMN carried out restoration work in the second half of the 1940s.

Why was it abandoned? In the 16th century the settlement moved away from it, and the building decayed into the 20th century.