Torre de Menagem & Military Museum (Museu Militar de Chaves), Chaves
The Torre de Menagem in Chaves, is all that remains of the original 14th century castle completed during the reign of King Dinis I (1261-1325). Inside the keep is a small Military Museum (Museu Militar).
Exhibits
The square Gothic keep, made from local granite, has four floors which now house a Military Museum with exhibits of cannon, muskets and other military equipment and uniforms from various conflicts, including Portugal's wars in its overseas colonies in the 1960's and 1970's.
The keep and city walls were remodelled during the Portuguese Restoration War (Guerra da Restauração) between Portugal and Spain that continued off and on from 1640-1688.
At the top there are fine views from the flat roof over the River Tâmega, the historic center of Chaves and the pretty gardens that surround the keep.
The castle in Chaves has been classified as a National Monument since 1938.
Access - Getting There
Torre de Menagem (Museu Militar de Chaves)
Praça de Camões
5400-150 Chaves
Tel: 276 348 180
Hours: Monday-Friday 9 am-12.30 pm and 2 pm-5.30 pm. Saturday and Sunday 2 pm-5.30 pm. The museum is closed on public holidays and weekends in winter.
The small admission fee includes entry to the nearby Museu da Região Flaviense.
The Torre de Menagem is close to the two churches of the Igreja e Provedoria da Misericórdia de Chaves and the Church of Santa Maria Maior.
