The renovation, led by businessman Paulo Luz of Grupo Chaves do Areeiro, is set to begin in May. The historic 12th-century castle will be converted into a "charming hotel," enhancing the region’s tourism offering while preserving its cultural heritage.

As Paulo Luz explained, this will be the first hotel business for the Chaves do Areeiro Group. The hotel will have 12 rooms, accommodating up to 24 people, along with a restaurant and a spa. The project also plans to create six new jobs.

The restaurant will be open every day, not only for hotel guests but also for the public. “It will not only operate for hotel guests,” Paulo Luz clarified, ensuring it will be accessible to the local community as well.

José Rondão Almeida, the mayor of Elvas, expressed his satisfaction with the investment, explaining that the Chaves do Areeiro Group acquired the property at the end of last year. He added that architectural and specialist project proposals have already been submitted to the municipality. The project has received “favourable opinions” from both the city council and the Ministry of Culture.

“This project is an added value for the municipality of Elvas, also serving to complement the tourist product that the municipality has to offer,” shared João Almeida. Barbacena Castle has been classified as a Property of Public Interest since 1967, according to the Directorate-General for Cultural Heritage.