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Fortress · A Guarda, Galicia
Castelo de Santa Cruz
Stone fortress in the center of A Guarda, completed around 1664 during the Portuguese Restoration War, occupied by Portugal until 1668 and today surrounded by a garden.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Castelo de Santa Cruz
The castle of Santa Cruz is located in the center of A Guarda and is part of the group of fortresses that the two countries built on the banks of the lower Minho. It was hastily constructed by Spanish troops during the Portuguese Restoration War, between 1640 and 1668, when Portugal was fighting to separate from the Spanish crown. Some of the stones came from the town's old medieval wall, and the work was finished around 1664.
In 1665, the Portuguese army besieged the fortress and breached the walls with mines. After eight days of siege, the defenders surrendered. The Portuguese remained in the castle until 1668, when they left following the signing of the Treaty of Lisbon, which ended the war.
The fortress has bastions and stone walls. After losing its military function, it was abandoned for a long time and later restored as a public space.
Today you can walk along the walls and through the surrounding garden, in the middle of the village, a few minutes from the port.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
20 to 40 minutes.
Best time
In the late afternoon, with the low light on the walls.
How to get there
It is located in the center of A Guarda, on avenida República Dominicana, about a 5-minute walk from the port.
Tip
Combine the castle with a walk to the port: the two are close and make a short stroll through the village.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Castelo de Santa Cruz
When was the castle of Santa Cruz built?
During the Portuguese Restoration War, and it was completed around 1664.
Did Portugal ever occupy the castle?
Yes. Portuguese troops took the fortress in 1665 and remained until 1668, when the Treaty of Lisbon was signed.
Can you walk along the walls?
Yes, the castle and the surrounding garden are a public space in the center of the village.