Published online by Cambridge University Press: 02 January 2015
Zambujal is c. 40 km. NNW of Lisbon, 11.5 km. from the Atlantic coast. A farmhouse (casal) of this name is situated on a steep inland promontory above the Ribeira de Pedrulhos. This stream flows into the Rio Sizandro near its mouth. The location of the settlement is one of easy access from the coast; at the same time it is far enough from it to be safe from surprise attacks from that direction. When approached from the coast or along the valley, the casal is not immediately visible. Its position on the mountain ridge was presumably advantageous for the fortified settlement too. From the site itself one has an excellent view of the region, including the approach routes and a strip of the coast.