Castelo de Ranhados

Classified as a Property of Public Interest in 1977, Ranhados Castle sits on a hill overlooking the village of the same name, approximately 838 meters above sea level. Archaeological evidence attests to the existence of a protohistoric fortified settlement, later Romanized. Its construction dates back to the reign of King Dinis, when he granted the town a charter (1286) to encourage its settlement and defense. At the end of the 14th century, these lands were donated to two Távora brothers, and some authors argue that it was built during this period, given the simplicity of the design and the apparent absence of a keep. With no known involvement in the major military events of the time, the town and its castle fell into progressive decline, leading to the dissolution of the municipality of Ranhados and its incorporation into the municipality of Meda in 1836. Following the abolition of the religious orders, the parade ground began to be used as a cemetery, a function it retains to this day.