Castelo de Braga (Castle of Braga), Braga

The Keep is the only surviving part of Braga Castle, a once-mighty fortress. This granite structure reaches a height of thirty meters and offers a glimpse into the castle's former grandeur, which included five protective towers guarding the medieval walls.

In the early 14th century, King Dinis initiated a project to reconstruct and fortify Portugal's national defenses, which also included improvements in Braga. The reconstruction work in Braga is noteworthy for the royal coat of arms that still adorns the castle's north-eastern façade. However, construction in Braga was only completed in 1373 under the reign of King Fernando.

The medieval walls of Braga Castle featured five towers and eight gateways, of which some remnants remain to this day. Notable among them are the Tower of Porta Nova, the Gateway and Tower of Santiago, and the Tower of São Sebastião. However, the castle itself was demolished at the beginning of the 20th century and later served as a prison.

Today, the keep, which was once part of this medieval fortress, is no longer associated with its original military function. Instead, it is under the care of the Association for the Protection, Study, and Promotion of Cultural Heritage. While the castle's military significance has faded, the remaining structure serves as a valuable historical site, offering visitors a glimpse into Braga's rich past and architectural heritage.