Avô Castle

Avô Castle

History

The place of Avô and its dominions were donated by Earl D. Henry the bishop of Coimbra. Its fortification, however, is attributed to the reign of D. Afonso Henriques (1112 - 1185).

The historic and architectural evolution of the castle requires further research. In the mid-nineteenth century the structure was already abandoned when, in 1856, its stonework was reused in the construction of the bridge Ribeira de Moura. Subsequently, individuals in the region have pursued the use of ancient stones, degrading the monument entirely.

All the remaining pieces of the castle walls, which comprises the ruins of the Chapel of St. Michael on the perimeter, was classified as a cultural heritage building by decree published on 25 October of 1963.

Avô

Avô is a Portuguese parish in municipality of Oliveira do Hospital, District of Coimbra in Portugal.

The toponym comes from a ford in the river Alva and the river Ribeira de Pomares. A small lake formed by the two streams at their junction, with a small island in the middle.

Avô is considered one of the most beautiful locations in Portugal.