Castelo de Arouce - Lousa

Name: Castelo de Arouce - Lousa
Address: Em 580 In front of Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Piedade, Lousa 3200 Portugal, Coimbra, Portugal
Rating: 3.9

3.9

(156 reviews)

Em 580 In front of Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Piedade, Lousa 3200 Portugal

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About

Integrated into the Senhora da Piedade complex, Arouce Castle is part of one of the earliest defensive lines created to control access to Coimbra, first documented in 1087 in the will of D. Sesnando Davides, who ordered the area to be settled. At the beginning of the monarchy, the town, then a border village, played an important role. In 1124, the castle was taken by an Islamic incursion, but it returned to the County of Portugal and was granted a charter in 1151 by D. Afonso Henriques. According to legend, the castle was built by Emir Arunce to protect his daughter and treasures after being expelled from Conimbriga. On April 27, 2019, restoration work on the castle was inaugurated, providing safety and accessibility for visitors. On the same date, an Interpretation and Reception Center was opened, offering information about the castle and local tourism. The castle, classified as a National Monument, is part of the Mondego Castles and Walls Network.

At a glance

Typical visit: about 30 minutes