| Visit Central Portugal |
| Penela |
Penela was granted "Town Status" in 1064.
King Afonso 1V of Portugal (1325 -1357) was born and died here.
The Castle was used as part of the defence formation of the Coimbra region.
In 1383, King Fernando I of Portugal died leaving one daughter, Beatrice, who was
hastily married to Juan I of Castille. This union meant Portugal would lose her
independence to Castille, and so began a Civil War.
There is a story that during the 1383-1385 Civil War, the commander of the Castle, who
supported Juan of Castille, left the Castle to seek provisions. He was ambushed at the
gates by the local people and as he fell down the hill was decapitated by a man named
Caspirre.
The Church inside the grounds of Penela Castle was built in the second half of the 16th
century and the clock tower was added in the 1950s. Notable features include the 16th
century sculpture of the Virgin Mary and Infant Jesus by João de Ruão, a canvas of St
Michael at the weighing of the souls and a 14th century image of St Ann.
