Castelo de Porto de Mos

The civil parish of Porto de Mós is a small riverside town in Portugal’s Leiria district, and when we visited on an overcast day in early July, it was buzzing with life thanks to its annual agricultural festival. Stalls, music, and the hum of local activity filled the streets, giving the town an extra layer of charm.
Towering above it all is the town’s most distinctive landmark: the castle of Porto de Mós. Perched on the highest hill, its green‑tiled turrets and striking silhouette command sweeping views across the valley and the surrounding countryside. From below, it feels as though the castle is keeping watch over the town; from above, it offers one of the most impressive vantage points in the region.

We were here to visit Castelo de Porto de Mós, a striking fortress instantly recognisable by the two green‑tiled roofs topping its towers. Rather than navigating the narrow streets that wind beneath the castle, we chose to park in the town centre and walk up instead.

With our three boys in tow, the short uphill stroll quickly turned into a chorus of complaints about the climb, the distance, and just about everything else. In reality, the walk took no more than ten minutes and led us through peaceful, almost empty streets—but try telling that to three unimpressed kids.

Nearing the castle, we passed the old village cemetery which includes a chapel believed to have been part of the church of Santa Maria dos Murthinos. The cemetery includes some great examples of funerary architecture.

Having reached the castle, it becomes immediately clear why this hilltop was chosen—its position offers commanding views across the entire valley, a natural advantage for defence and surveillance. At the small information desk by the entrance, we bought our tickets (€1.55 per adult) before stepping inside.

Castelo de Porto de Mós has a fascinating history. It was granted to General Nuno Álvares Pereira as a reward for his decisive victory at the Battle of Aljubarrota in 1385. In the centuries that followed, the fortress evolved into a fortified palace, blending military strength with residential comfort. Unfortunately, much of it was severely damaged during the devastating earthquake of 1755, leaving behind the atmospheric ruins and distinctive green‑tiled towers that define the castle today.

Stairs inside the castle led us all the way up into the towers, both of which are linked by a narrow walkway across the roof. It’s an impressive vantage point, but worth noting for anyone visiting with children—on one side, the barrier is only a rope, easily crossed by curious little explorers.

After our visit, we headed to the local park for a picnic. It didn’t last long—just as we settled in, a heavy shower rolled in and brought our lunch to an abrupt end.