A Portuguese National Monument, Ourém’s castle is almost unmatched for its beauty and drama.
The Orem's castle was a Moorish base, pulled down and rebuilt in the first years of Portugal’s monarchy in the 12th century.
The castle was besieged during a rebellion by King Afonso Henriques’ mother Elizabeth of Aragon, and again during the interregnum in the 1380s.
In these turbulent times it must have seemed unconquerable, because even today the drive or walk up the precipitous 330-meter hill is onerous and often downright scary.
In the 1400s the 4th Count of Ourém turned the fortress into a luxurious home in the High Gothic style, when it became the Paço dos Condes (Palace of the Counts).
Practically in the clouds, the medieval village is encircled by the castle’s fearsome outer walls.
It’s also a kind of outdoor museum for historic architecture, with every medieval and early modern style represented, including Gothic, Mudéjar, Manueline, Baroque and Pombaline from the 18th century.
One should wear sensible shoes, as the slopes are ridiculous in parts, but you’ll be compensated with views that can make you gasp.
Anyone who enjoys adventuring through old scurrying streets, up stairways, and under arches will fall in love with this place.
