[1][2] It has seen a turbulent history that saw occupation during the Moorish period to the devastation and reconstruction that accompanied the Christian reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula.

During the Neolithic there was a growth of productive human settlements which concentrated on planting and domestication of animals, with the beginnings of a nascent religion.

There are many vestiges of these ancient communities, including ceramics, agricultural implements, weights, arrowheads and modest jewelry, all forged from rock.

[3] It is believed that the larger proto-historic communities developed in Terra Fria, probably in the final part of the Bronze Age (1000-700 BC).

During this period, the Castro culture of fortified urban structures resulted in walled settlements, situated in elevated areas with a panoramic view, for defense.

The area was dominated by two ethnic communities: the Zoelae, with their seat in Castro de Avelãs, and a Lusitanian civitas under the stewardship of the Baniense in the southern part of the district.

[3] A Latin map, Atlas de Gotha by Justus Perthes, mentioned three settlements within this region: Aquae Flaviae (Chaves), Veniatia (Vinhais) and Zoelae (its seat in Zoelas, today Castro de Avelãs)[4] without mentioning any reference to a name similar to Bragança.

[5] The references to a settlement with the name similar to Bragança occurred in the acts of Council Lugo (569 AD) regarding the Vergancia.

[3] The castle was mentioned in a document dated July 7, 1128 that it was brought under control of King Afonso I of Portugal (1112-1185).

Defending its interests, Afonso Sanches started a rebellion, invading Braganza and leaving a huge amount of damage.

During the reign of King Manuel I (1495-1521), the town and its castle's architecture and site plan were recorded by Duarte de Armas in his Book of Fortresses, published in 1509.

A fence, reinforced by seven turrets (three east, three to the west and south) of circular plan, top the exterior of the tower.

[9] Local traditions states that when the village was still called Benquerença, there was a beautiful orphan princess who lived with her uncle, the lord of the castle.

In historical times, it is claimed that it was inhabited by Sancha, sister of Afonso Henriques, as a refuge from the marital infidelities committed by her husband Ferdinand Mendes.

The castle also served as a place of refuge of D. Leonor, wife of the fourth Duke of Bragança, accused (unjustly) of adultery by her own husband.