Atouguia da Baleia Castle

The ruins of the Atouguia da Baleia Castle belong to an ancient fortification from which only a few notes have survived, such as a walled enclosure and the Tower, which is believed to be neither the Tower of Menage.

The date of the construction of the Castle is not known for certain, but there are records of its existence since the end of the 12th century.

The construction of this type of infrastructure was justified by the fact that, at that time, Atouguia (only later it would be added to the designation of Whale) was the seat of the municipality and therefore the most important settlement in the area.

The importance of Atouguia da Baleia

Over the centuries, the Castle underwent renovations and renovations at the same time that it also lost its preponderance, following hand in step the decline in importance of Atouguia da Baleia as the seat of the municipality, in a period when it begins to emerge Peniche and that for reasons of national safeguard in the face of foreign attacks, the Fort of Peniche was built, and the Castle had lost its defensive importance.

In this context, the Atouguia da Baleia Castle gradually deteriorated, and today it is in a state of ruin.

Despite the advanced state of degradation, it is a place that deserves to be considered for its historical heritage and for being a heritage testimony that symbolizes the importance of Atouguia da Baleia in the past.

In this regard, it is worth mentioning the fact that in 2006 the Atouguia da Baleia Castle was classified as a Property of Public Interest, a clear certificate of importance for the local community.

Bearing in mind the importance that Atouguia da Baleia assumed in the past, today there are several reasons for the visit that this parish has to offer you.

In addition to the Castle, you also have Cruise, Praia da Consolação Fort, churches or the Pillory, more than enough reasons for your visit to Atouguia da Baleia to be full of discoveries!