Situated in the Santa Maria da Feira area of Aveiro, the Castle of Santa Maria da Feira is a Portuguese castle. Having played a key role in the Reconquista and the independence of County of Portugal, the Castle of Santa Maria da Feira, a symbol of Portuguese medieval military architecture, is among the sites that most accurately illustrate the variety of defenses employed throughout the Middle Ages. Since 1910, it has been recognized as a national monument. According to local legend, an indigenous temple honoring the local deity Bandeve-Lugo Toiraeco formerly stood where the Castle of Feira now stands. The temple was eventually converted into a Marian shrine. While Roman occupation from the early empire is confirmed by tombstones and other remnants found in the defensive region, the connection to other temples is not confirmed. There was a Roman route Olissipo-Bracara Augusta near this location, which connected Braga and Lisbon, respectively. Alfonso III of León established the administrative and military territory known as Terra de Santa Maria in the middle of the ninth century, and he built its defenses in the nearby military castle at Civitas Sanctae Mariae. The stronghold served as a forward station against the southern Arab incursions during the Christian Reconquista for many years. Following successive invasions, the governors Mem Guterres and Mem Lucídio, devised a massive plan to rebuild the castle and develop the Terra de Santa Maria property. In recognition only the judges, magistrates, and councilmen of Lisbon were granted the title of Honra de Infanções, an honor which was eventually bestowed upon the populace by the Leonese kings. The Chronica Gothorum, which dates the construction of the inferior part of the keep, makes the first mention of a built structure in this location dating back to the eleventh century. One of largest fairs of Portugal was held in Feira starting in 1117, and this event eventually gave the town its name. The fair was set up beneath the shadow of the castle
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[Image : Constructed upon the ancient Roman fortress, the castle with its formidable walls]
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Monuments and Architecture
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