History
Of Muslim origin, Montmayur is described as a mighty fortress in the documentation of the tenth century.
Its strategic position was particularly coveted by Christian and Muslim forces, which explain the numerous battles fought there under the Reconquest. Only after 1064, with the final conquest of Coimbra by the troops of Fernando Magno [1016-1065], King of Leon, did the situation stabilize.
In 1071 D. Afonso VI gave Montemor-o-Velho to D. Sesnando Davides for populating this region by attracting clergy and laity who built churches, homes, gardens and vineyards. At the same time an extensive refurbishment of the existing fort was undertaken, making it an essential part of line castles that ensured the defence of Coimbra. Montemor-o-Velho defended the region above Mondego of possible enemy incursions coming by sea.
Town development is provided in the following years by documents establishing the rights and duties of settlers: the first letter of settlement was granted by D. Raimundo, in 1095; the charter letter was given, in 1212, by Infanta Dona Teresa, King Sancho I daughter and lady of the town.
In Montemor-o-Velho we find a castle designed to accommodate a small garrison and a vast wall where much of the population would have lived, at least while the Muslim assaults were a threat. Of course what we see today is the result of a long evolution and a set of improvements made over time. Between the XII and XIII century, they constructed the donjon; in the XIV century the perimeter of the wall was increased and the vast barbican was built in order to hinder the approach of the enemy above the steps and siege towers. With the same purpose of ensuring the integrity of the castle, King D. Fernando, ordered the destruction of houses which leaned against the castle walls, facilitating entry to the enemy. From the XV century, the North enclosure served as a refuge to people from neighbouring towns and, finally, from the XVI century, the Church of Santa Maria da Alcáçova, was rebuilt by the Bishop of Coimbra.
Characterization
A roughly oval irregular layout, formed by the junction of the original castle and its keep in order to protect the main entrance, with a large walled enclosure. Along the walls several towers rise up, some quadrangular and large, other smaller and semi-circular in profile. Completing the set, an extensive surrounding barbican and the north enclosure. Inside the enclosure there still remains the church of Santa Maria of the Alcáçova, founded by King D. Sesnando but reshaped by King D. Manuel, in the XVI century.
Classification
MMN - Monumento Nacional (National Monument), Decreto de 16-06-1910, DG n.º 136 de 23 junho 1910
Access
Rua de Coimbra, Vila de Montemor-o-Velho
Coordinates: 40.17521726675916 N, -8.683919906616211 O
Helpful Information
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Das 09h às 18h