Castle of Arraiolos

Arraiolos Castle (Castelo de Arraiolos) is a medieval fortress in the town of Arraiolos, in Portugal's Alentejo region, Évora District. What sets it apart is its shape: instead of a typical rectangular layout, the walls form a nearly circular, slightly elliptical ring around the entire hilltop settlement.

When and why was it built?

The castle dates from the early 14th century, during the reign of King Dinis. The contract for the walls was signed in late December 1305, and construction ran roughly from 1306 to 1310. The contract set out the size of the circuit: about 455 metres long, 6.6 metres high and 2.2 metres thick. The fortress was raised on the hill of Monte de São Pedro, in a part of Alentejo that had long been a frontier needing defence.

What does it look like?

The wall circuit has two gates and encloses a small hill. The form itself is the highlight: a round plan is unusual in Portuguese defensive architecture, which is why the castle is often called the "circular castle". The walls are very well preserved, while the buildings inside have suffered badly from the passing centuries.

Within the walls stands the 16th-century Igreja do Salvador, a reminder that the hill once held a small community rather than serving only as a military post.

Why was the castle abandoned?

From the 14th century, residents began leaving the fortress interior because the site was windy, cold and considered unpleasant to live in. King Ferdinand (1367-1383) tried to fix this by granting inhabitants special privileges in 1371. The measures failed, and the settlement gradually shifted to lower ground, where today's town developed.

Can you visit?

Yes. Access to the castle is free, so it fits easily into a walk around Arraiolos. Walk along the walls, see them from outside and from within, then look into the Salvador church.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Arraiolos Castle? In the town of Arraiolos, in the Alentejo region, Évora District (about 38.73° N, 7.99° W).

Who built it? It was commissioned by King Dinis in the early 14th century.

What makes it special? Its circular, slightly elliptical wall plan with two gates.

Is there an entrance fee? No, entry to the castle grounds is free.

What else is worth seeing nearby? The former Lóios convent (Convento de Nossa Senhora da Assunção), founded in 1527 just outside town, which now houses the Pousada Convento de Arraiolos.