While driving to the city of Evora on our 2024 Portugal trip, we spotted a circular castle, high on a hill in the small town of Arraiolos. I asked Steve to pull over so I could snap a photo. I commented it was too bad the castle was on top of the hill as I just didn’t have it in me to climb the hill and explore. While I was snapping photos, Steve noticed a road climbing up the hill. Once I was back in the car, he followed it and sure enough, it led us right to the castle! Of course we hopped out and started to explore.
Location
Arraiolos Castle is located in the village of Arraiolos which is in the Alentejo region of Portugal. It is located 2 hours south of Tomar from where we visited the Knights of the Templar Castle and 23 miles northeast of Evora to where we were staying for the night. The roads were good and it was a nice drive through the countryside of Portugal. It is almost an hour and a half east of Lisbon.
Arraiolos Castle
This castle was ordered to be built by King Dinas between 1306 and 1310 who actually lived here for awhile. It is built in a circular shape and the walls are in good condition as is the clocktower. Currently within the walls is the Church of Salvador which was originally erected in 1271 before the castle but reconstructed in the 16th century and is still standing.
Wandering Through the Castle
We do like to wander and what a perfect place to wander! The weather was beautiful and we had the castle all to ourselves. Although the only building still standing within the walls is the Church of Salvador, it is easy to imagine a bustling castle life inside these walls.
Palace and Castle Keep
We parked near what I would call the back of the Castle and entered through the small entrance called the Gate of the Vila. Directly to the left is the castle’s palace. In ruins now, it must have been grand in its day. There is also a Castle Keep at the back of the palace. The Castle Keep is often a tower and well fortified as it is commonly considered the safest place and a last resort to hold the castle during an attack or a siege.
Also within the palace we found a tight entryway to a conical tower. I did not go in this, but Steve adventured in and was excited to see the conical roof still intact.
The Castle Walls
Once again, we enjoyed walking on the castle walls and taking in the views. The inner wall walk, also known as a parapet, is where much of the castle defense took place. Guards would watch for possible intruders, soldiers would pour hot oil or shoot arrows at the enemy, and the inner wall walk also gave protection to the soldiers as they could duck down or behind the parapet.
What I love about castle wall walks are the views.
Gate of Santarem
The Gate of Santarem is the front entryway and has a watchtower on each side. To me it is a very classic look.
Church of Salvador
As I mentioned before, the Church of Salvador is the only remaining building inside the castle walls. The front door was locked so we were not able to see inside.
Clock Tower
The Clock tower is at the backside of the castle, near thee back entrance. The door was shut so we presumed it was not possible to enter.
Conclusion
This was a fun and unexpected way to stretch our legs while driving from Tomar to Evora. The Arraiolos castle is a great castle to explore in the countryside of Portugal. I would have loved to explore the town as well as I have read it is really a gem. If we do another trip to Portugal, we will definitely spend more time in the Alentejo region as there is so much more to explore here.
Diary of a Gen-X recommendations for hotels, restaurants, activities or tour companies are based on our own experiences. We do not receive compensation for recommending at any of these nor are we affiliates of any hotels, restaurants, activities or tour companines. All photos are taken by myself and my husband unless otherwise noted.
Planning
I do a lot of research before a trip and below are some of the items I use to help plan. I also use these items throughout my trip and they have all been a good resource.
My favorite travel guides are the DK Eyewitness guides. These books are smaller and fit nicely in your bag, come with a removable map, are durable, sort the information in a logical way, and easy to read. While they just give a brief synopsis of each area, I find areas I like and then google or search for more information.
I also like a map when I travel because you never know when you will loose GPS. We have many times had to rely on the old fashion method of pulling out a map. I have found the National Geographic Maps to be very useful. The ones I have used have been accurate, durable, and easy to follow. You can click on an Amazon link to a map here https://amzn.to/4dRJNqQ
We are an Amazon affiliate so if you purchase the tour guides or maps we do get a small commission at no cost to you.
Follow Me on Instagram !!!
Check out my other Portugal Posts!
Knights of the Templar Castle, Portugal May 2024
Exploring Obidos, Portugal, May 2024
A Moliceiro Ride in Aveiro, Portugal, May 2024
Discover more from Diary of a Gen-X Traveler
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Looks like a great unplanned stop, those are sometimes the best. Maggie
I agree, a surprise stop can really add to the trip! Lori
Accidental discoveries are the best. Good on Steve for seeing the road. Looks like a great place to explore Lori. Have a good Monday. Allan
Yea they are, Allan. If Steve hadn’t seen that road I know I would not have climbed that hill! Have a great week!!
Such a great discovery, and you had it all to yourselves!
That was the best part!!
It must be off the beaten path – you’d think it’d be a real tourist draw.
You would think! It was just off the road we were on towards Evora. A great find!