Freixo de Espada à Cinta

1213

Transfer of Possession

Portuguese sovereignty confirmed in 1236 under Sancho II of Portugal, who donated Alva to Freixo de Espada à Cinta.

1381

Transfer of Possession

Donated to Fernão Afonso, master of Valença, by Fernando I of Portugal

900

Date of Known Existance

(No Date) Several local legends exist about the beginning of occupation of the site: 10th century founding by a Spanish nobleman, founding by a Visigothic warrior, and founding by a Christian knight.

1152

Original Construction Date

Construction of the site under Afonso I of Portugal believed to have begun in 1152, although the only documentary evidence dates to 1258. This original fortification included a wall.

1325 - 1345

Reconstruction Date

Additional castle construction under Afonso IV of Portugal

1367

Reconstruction Date

Fernando I of Portugal orders additional construction to the fortress

1383 - 1385

Reconstruction Date

Construction improvements made during Crisis of Succession

1383 - 1385

Succession Crisis

Construction improvements made during Crisis of Succession

1412 - 1423

Reconstruction Date

Further defensive reconstruction occurred

12/31/1434 - 12/31/1458

Reconstruction Date

Reconstructed as a palace for governors

1513

Reconstruction Date

Reconstruction carried out by Biscay stone master Pêro Lopes

700 - 1152

Muslim Conquest

No dates given. Muslim Conquest mentioned in one founding legend.

900

Christian Reconquest

No dates given. Christian Reconquest mentioned in one founding legend.

1212 - 1213

Christian Reconquest

Conquered by Afonso IX of Leon under Afonso II of Portugal

1152 - 1157

Charter

Afonso I of Portugal granted Freixo de Espada à Cinta a charter (probably) in 1152 (but possibly sometime between 155-1157) to promote its settlement and defense

1246

Charter

Sancho II of Portugal grants a charter for Freixo de Espada à Cinta to Afonso, Count of Bolonha (future Afonso III of Portugal), confirming it as "couto de homiziados"

Charter

Afonso III of Portugal confirms new charter of Freixo de Espada à Cinta

1512

Foral Novo Charter

Freixo de Espada à Cinta granted a Foral Novo