On Sunday, 5 October, starting at 2.30 pm, the Route of the Romanesque and the Municipality of Celorico de Basto will celebrate National Castle Day 2025 in advance with activities at the Castle of Arnoia.

Aimed at the whole family, the planned activities include a guided tour of the Castle and a fencing demonstration, open to visitors.

At the end, Passports of the Route of the Romanesque will be distributed (and stamped) to participants.

The activities are free, subject to prior registration here.

Classified as a National Monument since 1946, the Romanesque Castle of Arnoia is located at the top of the ancient land of Basto. It stands out from the landscape as a rocky fortress, with highlight to its keep, the square turret and the cistern.

Below, the old town of Basto (currently known as village of Castelo) – with its pillory, audience house and apothecary (pharmacy) – reminds us of the period when this was a busy place due to the road that connected the Sousa to the Tâmega.

National Castle Day is officially celebrated on 7 October.