Castle of Lousã

Very pleasant place! Spring and Autumn seem to be the best time to visit to walk around! During Summer you can enjoy the river beach!

Beautiful historic castle in an incredible nature setting with lots of hiking trails nearby as well as a river beach with cafe just a short walk away. Highly recommend a visit here if you’re in Lousa

Cool tiny castle in the middle of stunning nature in Lousa. Not overly much to see, but the setting is stunning with the sound of water from down below in the gorge. There is a nice resting platform behind the castle. We loved the little settlement at the bottom, and the views all round are amazing.

The surroundings are beautiful and the castle is free of charge. It's small, but definitely worth a visit if you combine it with a walk to the stream and through the forest.
When we got there it reopened just after the lunch break and a guide explained everything about the history of the castle and it's surroundings. This was in Portuguese, however.

Amazing fort, and other buildings, and the best hiking we have done in 4 months. Beautiful photos there as well. Great restaurant, O Borger, but it wasn't open yet. Will be September 20th. Looking forward to going back in a week or so to try it. Beautiful waterfall nearby. Definitely worth spending a whole day there.

A not too large yet nicely proportioned ensemble of a well maintained castle. The climb up to the roof of the imposing keep is rewarded with a stunning view towards the surrounding areas.
Which brings me to the question: why of all the places did the ancestors decided on this location?
1.) It's wedged between hills on three sides.
2.) The city of Lousã is too far away to serve as a protection to it and besides a stream there's nothing else to defend.
3.) Attackers had the advantage of shooting from higher elevations down to the level of the castle.
Maybe someone can enlighten me😄?

Beautiful approach, gorgeous deep valley green green green with an amazing vision of the architect to access the castle.

Also known as Arouce Castle, it belongs to one of the first defensive lines created to control the southern access to Coimbra in the second half of the 11th century. In the early days of the monarchy, the town played an important role, which was not oblivious to its status as border village. In 1124, an Islamic foray took the castle and, again in the possession of Portucalense County, was awarded charter in 1151 by D. Afonso Henriques. According to an ancient legend, at the time of the Muslim occupation the castle was erected by Emir (Arab boss) Aruge, to protect his daughter Peralta and his treasures after being defeated and expelled by Conimbriga.

Natural beauty, amazing spot to connect with.

Historically charged, well restored to Templar era look. Close to Lousã. For those interested in river beaches, there is one close. Free entry in the castle. There is a small museum nearby that requires tickets to be visited.

Fabulous 11th century castle, beautiful views. Lots of parking available behind the castle.

Good small castle near to city in beautiful jungle with one church near and small beach you can spend good quality time here and walk inside jungle

Small castle but ver pleasant. Well preserved. A place to visit. There are a couple of trails that start there. There is also the pool downstairs that you must visit.

Little tower castle in the middle of a beautiful mimosa forest toppling a nice river beach. Parking places by the castle are limited to about 10-12 cars, but you can also park by the main road or at the river beach down hill (limited to about 8 cars)

Great place for hiking, the nature around the castle is amazing

Very nice place with some beautiful hikes (amazing view points)

Just amazing views!

We were staying in Talasnal and drove to see the castle. It’s a quick stop but it has beautiful views! The kids loved it. The river pools below the castle were super cool. We
spent the whole afternoon there and wished we had more time the next day to go
Back to the river pools.

What a wonderful little gem. The river beach below was an amazing way to cool off

Nice castle, well maintained with a restaurant and a lot of creeks nearby. Lovely place to visit, park the car near the castle and walk around!