Monuments

The Keep was built on the orders of Dinis on pre-existing foundations in 1324. A tablet stone near the entranceway, bearing the coat of arms of Portugal and Aragon (belonging to Isabel, the king's wife), testifies to its origins.The tower and its enclosure were used as a royal prison from the mid-14th century through to late in the 18th century.

Inside, now completely renovated in a modern iron and wood structure, there is an interesting exhibition featuring medieval military techniques and weapons of combat. A replica of the armour worn by Afonso Henriques and a miniature assault tower are just two examples of this museum's collection. There are also excerpts from medieval texts to provide context to the exhibits on display.

The main objective of the museum is to enable an understanding of the military function of these medieval structures through either pieces that have survived down through the centuries or replicas based on historical description. The museum also opens up the castle's own history with documents dating from the 18th through to the early 20th century providing both Portuguese and international comments on its role and importance.