Battle of Castel Rodrigo

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Battle of Castelo Rodrigo
Part of Portuguese Restoration War
Date July 7, 1664 Location Near Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, Portugal Result Portuguese victory
Combatants
Portugal	Spain
Commanders
Pedro Jacques de Magalhães	Duke of Osuna
Strength
3000	5000
Casualties
unknown	1000

Portuguese Restoration War
Montijo – Battle of the Lines of Elvas – Ameixial – Castel Rodrigo – Montes Claros

The Battle of Castelo Rodrigo, was fought on July 7, 1664, near Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, between Spanish and Portuguese as part of the Portuguese Restoration War.

After a number of skirmishes , the Duke of Osuna attacked the Castel of Castelo Rodrigo with 5000 men and 95 pieces of artillery. The castel was only defended by 150 Portuguese.

The military commander of the province, Pedro Jacques de Magalhães, rallied 3000 men and moved to the rescue of Castel Rodrigo.

A battle took place near the village of Salgadela which was won by the Portuguese. After an initial Spanish attack was repelled, the Portuguese counterattack proved decisive. Many prisoners were taken and artillery pieces captured. It is told that Osuna and John of Austria the Younger, escaped disguised as monks.

A memorial stone was placed on the site of the battlefield. The battle is also known as the Battle of Salgadela.