The construction of the castle was ordered by the widow Countess Mumadona, in the 10th century. The castle was built in order to serve as a refuge for the population, who was suffering from constant attacks from the Moors and Normans. Several battles took place between Afonso Henriques (that would become the first king of Portugal) and his cousin Alfonso VII (King of León). Eventually these battles led to the foundation of the Kingdom of Portugal. The castle has free entrance; check the big rocks surrounding the castle and also inside.

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The Foundation of Portugal - A castle and its battles

The construction of the castle was ordered by the widow Countess Mumadona, in the 10th century. The castle was built in order to serve as a refuge for the population, who was suffering from constant attacks from the Moors and Normans. Several battles took place between Afonso Henriques (that would become the first king of Portugal) and his cousin Alfonso VII (King of León). Eventually these battles led to the foundation of the Kingdom of Portugal. The castle has free entrance; check the big rocks surrounding the castle and also inside.

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