The Castelo de Palmela is a huge fortified complex that stands atop the eastern edge of the Serra de Arrabida hills. This high vantage point of the castle provides stunning views over both the Tagus and Sado estuaries and made it of strategic importance for early Portuguese dynasties but surprisingly the castle experienced very little actual fighting since the Christian conquest of the Moors in the 12th century.

The Castelo de Palmela is impressive from the distant lowlands and grows to dominate the skyline closer to the village of Palmela while the grander and imposing allure of the castle is not diminished on visiting the interior of the national monument. Inside the castle’s walls is the Igreja de Santiago church, the espaços museum and the entire castle to explore which from the battlements provide fantastic panoramic views over the region.

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