Castelo de Penela
Posted by: 
Daniel C
N 40° 01.850 W 008° 23.420
29T E 552017 N 4431357
A castle located in the town of Penela.
Waymark Code: WMB73X
Location: Coimbra, Portugal
Date Posted: 04/13/2011
Views: 7
Castle of Penela (Portuguese: Castelo de Penela) is located in a Penela town in Penela Municipality in Coimbra District, Portugal. The castle was built on a hill dominating the area and used to be a stronghold protecting Coimbra in times of Reconquista. Castle of Penela and the neighboring castle Montemor-o-Velho are both fine examples of defensive structures of that period.
The origins of the name are controversial and are attributed by some authors to ancient Celtic tribes. According to a local legend, King Afonso I (Afonso Henriques) exclaimed to incite his troops storming the stronghold: Coragem! Já estamos com o pé nela! (Courage! We have already set a foot in it!). A more plausible hypothesis is, however, that penela is a diminutive of penha, a place selected to build a fortress on.
Accessibility: Full access
Condition: Partly ruined
Admission Charge?: no
Website: [Web Link]
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