Castle of Vila Verde dos Francos

Castle of Vila Verde dos Francos (Castelo de Vila Verde dos Francos) is a ruined medieval fortress in the civil parish of Vila Verde dos Francos, in the municipality of Alenquer, Lisbon district, Portugal. It is a listed cultural heritage monument, at roughly 39.157 N, 9.122 W.

Where is the castle?

The ruins stand in a small village north of Lisbon, within Alenquer municipality. People have lived in this area since prehistory, and archaeological evidence points to successive visits and settlement by Greeks, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Goths and Muslims.

Why "dos Francos"?

The name refers to the "Franks", a general label for the crusaders who came from northern Europe. During the Reconquista, Afonso Henriques (1112-1185), Portugal's first king, granted lands in this area to a group of such crusaders after the conquests of Lisbon, Sintra, Almada, Palmela and Alenquer. The settlement's origin is linked to 1160, when it received its first charter. The castle and settlement went to a French crusader named Alardo.

What happened later?

On 11 April 1396, Inês Leitão and her husband exchanged estates they held in Cadaval with Violante Vasques, wife of Afonso Rodrigues Alardo, in return for the lordship of Vila Verde dos Francos. An eighteenth-century account already describes the castle as quite ruined.

What is its status today?

Since 1953 the castle has been classified as a Property of Public Interest (Imóvel de Interesse Público). It remains a ruin and has not been studied extensively. In the 1980s the walls were cleaned and consolidated to protect what survives.

Is it worth visiting?

It suits travellers who enjoy lesser-known, quiet monuments and want to see Reconquista history through a small village rather than a major tourist castle. Do not expect visitor facilities or restored interiors; the appeal lies in the authentic ruins and their link to the period when the Portuguese kingdom was taking shape. The visit combines easily with a trip to the town of Alenquer, a few kilometres away.

Frequently asked questions

Is the castle a ruin? Yes, it is a ruined medieval fortress, partly consolidated in the 1980s.

Who received the castle? According to accounts, a French crusader named Alardo, as part of Afonso Henriques's grants to the "Franks".

When did the settlement begin? Its origin is linked to around 1160, when it was given its first charter.

Is it protected? Yes, since 1953 as a Property of Public Interest.