Turismo Salvaterra de Miño

Magpie Castle

Doña Urraca Castle

The Castle of Doña Urraca is the testimony made in stone of the medieval past of the town, being one of the historical buildings that has undergone less constructive alterations over the years, thus retaining great power of attraction.

At the end of the 11th century, this castle sheltered such illustrious figures as the Queen of León, Doña Urraca, who would spend long stays in this privileged enclave during her disputes with her sister Teresa for the dominance of Condado Portucalense, the origin of the future kingdom of Portugal.

During the period of Portuguese occupation (1643-1659) the castle underwent numerous renovations, under the direction of the French engineer Charles Lessar, in order to retrofit the existing rooms and thus be able to have a large store of supplies for the troops.

This "L" shaped construction consists of two floors and an upper terrace. Both floors are visually even and their rooms are built in granite masonry, opening to the outside thanks to large windows located in the old pockets.

The ceilings are a singular architectural detail, built with a series of groin vaults made from solid brick strips and raised on semicircular stone arches.

Inside, it is possible to contemplate a curious spiral staircase with a double ramp and a single axis, a unique example in the entire peninsula and which connects the two vaulted rooms with the terrace. This construction system prevents people who go up or down through them from crossing.

Likewise, on the lower floor you can visit the “Dressing room of Doña Urraca”, an old fully circular medieval keep and whose half-orange dome gives this room a special sound.

Another of the architectural singularities of the building is the well located inside the castle and which, according to legend, was the entrance to an old secret passageway that crossed to Portugal below the Miño. A silent witness to love, passion and betrayal between lovers on both banks of the river.

Today, this castle is the headquarters of the Museo do Viño do Condado do Tea D.O. an interactive space where you can learn and enjoy the culture of wine.

Character of the time