Castelo

Castelo is the Portuguese word for a fortified building or fortress, commonly translated as "castle" in English. The term derives from the Latin castellum, a diminutive meaning fortress or stronghold, and is cognate with the Spanish castillo and the English castle.

In Lusophone countries, Castelo is widely used as a toponym. Towns, parishes, and other administrative areas are named Castelo to reference historical fortifications, geographic features, or local heritage. It is also found as a surname in Portuguese-speaking communities.

Beyond place names, the term appears in cultural and historical references to fortifications and medieval structures, and is used in modern nomenclature for streets, districts, and institutions that invoke the historic idea of a castle.

See also: Castle, Castillo, Castello, Castel.