Viana do Alentejo Castle
Castle of Viana do Alentejo Castle (Castelo de Viana do Alentejo) in the small town of Viana do Alentejo in the Alentejo region is a 14th century castle.
History
The castle was constructed by King Dinis (1261-1325) in 1313 on a pentagonal plan.
Viana do Alentejo Castle was expanded in the late 15th century by both Dom João II and Dom Manuel I.
This period of construction produced the castle's distinctive witch's hat-shaped towers and battlements.
There are two churches within the walls, the Igreja da Misericórdia and Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Anunciação de Viana do Alentejo.
Both are thought to be by architect Diogo de Arruda with Manueline doorways and other features. Diogo de Arruda and his brother Francisco were responsible for such buildings as the Belem Tower, the Aqueduto da Amoreira and the Church of Nossa Senhora da Assunçåo in Elvas, as well as the Aqueduto da Agua de Prata in Evora.
Diogo's Manueline masterpiece is undoubtedly the incredible Janela do Capítulo at the Convent of Christ in Tomar.
Also within the castle walls is the local Tourist Office.
There are great views from the top of the walls.
Access
Viana do Alentejo Castle
Largo de São Luís 7
7090-280 Viana do Alentejo
Admission: small charge to enter the castle.
Viana do Alentejo is about 35 minutes south of Evora by bus. Just north of the castle is the small and friendly Casa de Viana do Alentejo guesthouse.
