History:
Pousada Castelo de Palmela
The Palmela Castle doesn’t reveal any important architectonical reference, neither has any legends. However it is mentioned by the Portuguese writer Luís de Camões in his book Os Lusíadas, which emphasizes D. Afonso Henriques deed, who with only sixty worriers conquered the castle again.
In its walls was born one of the most important pioneers of the “Portuguese Africa”, Brito Capelo. In the castle also lived other significant people of Portugal’s history, like Nuno Alvares e D. João II. In its churches lie other respectability men notable for their weapons or words. For this it’s said that Pamela deserves the respect and has the widest scenery any imagination could want. Hours pass by filling the eyes and the spirit with the unforgettable view.
After the extinction of the Orders, on 1834, though the caste was ruined it was classified as a National Monument on the 16th June 1919 and then was reconstructed.
It’s precisely in a Convent 500 years old, where is positioned the Pousada Castelo de Palmela. On 1940 took place the partial restoration of the Castle and on 1979 was inaugurated the Pousada, after the adaptation works to the Convent. With all its austerity, it is possible to enjoy its interior in a comfortable way that preserves a lot of the 17th century. Trough the cloister is the entrance to the galleries, the social space of the Pousada.
The Santa Maria church, inside the Castle Walls, is very old and it has been ruined for a long time. But, on 1534 it was rebuilt with the charity help of Dom Prior and faithful people. Though it was destroyed by the 1755 earthquake, it still preserves the Renascence edification.
The Palmela village was founded 310 before Christ. Palmela seems to be the short name of “palma”, a Latin word that means palm tree leaf or victory. “Palma” expresses also a woman name and “palme”, a male name. However, little is known about Palmela´s history before the conquer of Lisbon by D. Afonso Henriques. It was then abandoned by the Arabs and became in the Christians possession.
Built in a privileged location, the Palmela Castle is a key point between the Sado and Tejo´s basin and was one of the parts of the defensive triangle of Lisbon. The castle was reconstructed by D. Afonso Henriques, D. Sancho I and D. Afonso II and amplified by D. João I still in the 17th century.
There aren’t many military histories about the Castle in the following centuries, neither during the Restoration wars, nor even afterwards. Nevertheless, in the end of the 17th century were built the castle walls.
The castle also had a high tower, bulwarks, the governor house and soldiers quarters, where they would stay in any war occasion.