Picoña Castle

[1][2][3] The castle, now in ruins, dates back to the early period of Portuguese independence (12th century) and was constructed over a previous Callaeci fort.

The castle, part of the domains of the House of Braganza also guaranteed the privileges of the Couto Misto, an independent state formed by the villages of Santiago, Meaus and Rubiás.

[3] Destroyed by Castile in the 14th century, the castle was rebuilt by John I of Portugal and donated to D. Afonso, the future Duke of Bragança.

A document from 1796 states that: "There is in this honor [ Tourém ] the alcaidaria-mor of the Castle of Piconha that is inside, in Galliza, and there is a road of its own for it through the parish of Rendim".

[4] Latter, the Topographic Chart of the Court of Montealegre from 1836, signed by Fidencio Bourman, shows Picoña castle within the limits of Tourém.