Ilumina Raia - Castle of Ouguela

Discover the historic village of Ouguela, located in Campo Maior, on the Alentejo plain, about 260 meters above sea level. Embark on a journey through military heritage and contemplate this tranquil landscape, next to the Spanish border.

In the village of Ouguela, you will find the Castle of Ouguela, the Governor's House, the Fortaleza Cistern, the Plaza de Armas and the Fountain of the Lady of Grace.

Try climbing the keep at the end of the day and admiring the fabulous sunset while watching the cranes and breathing in the fresh country air.

Castle of Ouguela

At the top of a hill, about 260 meters above sea level, the Ouguela Castle is an example of medieval and modern military architecture.

It is located about 1 km from the junction of Ribeira de Abrilonga and the Gévora River and 3 km from the border, between a path of olive groves and cultivated fields.

Dating back to the pre-Roman period, the castle is an example of medieval military architecture, preserving the characteristics of a border stronghold.

Designated Budva during the Roman occupation phase, this space was later occupied by Visigothic communities and came to be known as Niguela.

From its walls, which delimited the growth of the medieval settlement on the slopes, it is possible to observe the Spanish castle of Albuquerque, beyond its borders.

The History of the Castle

The town of Ouguela was in possession of the Portuguese crown with the Treaty of Alcanizes in 1297. The following year, King D. Dinis granted it a charter.

The fortification, with its seven quadrangular towers, including the menagem tower, attached to the fence on the western side, dates from the turn of the 14th century.

During the Restoration Wars, the town of Ouguela was equipped with a walled defensive system under the command of Nicolau de Langres, the well-known French military engineer and architect, who altered the medieval castle.

The new fortress has numerous bastions and revelins, a moat, walking paths, quartering rooms and a large quadrangular cistern (12 meters on each side), located in the town's Plaza de Armas.

Local Gastronomy

Campo Maior is the birthplace of one of the largest coffee processing centers in the Iberian Peninsula, whose origins date back to the first half of the 20th century.

Among the many typical dishes from the Alentejo region, try gazpacho, migas with entrecote, lamb stew, açorda, guidar febras, corned dogfish, and tomato and dogfish soup.

Conventual confectionery is present in regional cuisine, due to its proximity to convents and monasteries. Indulge yourself with Alentejana rice pudding, egg pudding, Alentejana sericaia, filhós, as well as torresmos dumplings and Alentejo rolls.

Wine tourism is also one of the tourist images of Campo Maior and the Alentejo wine region.

CASTLE OF OUGUELA