Castle of the Moors

The Castle of the Moors (Castelo dos Mouros) in Sintra is one of the most fascinating and historically rich places in Portugal. Located on the wooded hills of the Serra de Sintra, this castle offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding area, all the way to the Atlantic. Built by the Moors in the 9th century, the castle is a testament to the Muslim presence in the Iberian Peninsula and their influence on local architecture and culture. The strategic location of the Castle of the Moors was chosen for its ability to control and defend access to the Lisbon region. During its heyday, the castle was an essential military fortification, equipped with imposing walls, watchtowers, and a vast system of water cisterns. The walls, which extend for about 450 meters, are still walkable today and offer visitors a panoramic view that stretches from the Pena Palace to the wooded hills of Sintra and beyond. After the Christian conquest of Lisbon in 1147 by King Afonso I, the castle gradually lost its strategic importance. Over the centuries, it suffered various damages, including those caused by the 1755 earthquake, which devastated much of Portugal. Despite these events, the castle remained a lasting symbol of the region’s Moorish past. The Castle of the Moors was rediscovered and restored in the 19th century, under the guidance of King Ferdinand II, also known as “the Artist King.” Fascinated by medieval architecture and romantic ruins, Ferdinand II initiated a series of restoration works that included the preservation of the original structures and the creation of scenic paths through the castle ruins. These interventions, which give the castle its current appearance, were inspired by the romantic movement, which idealized the medieval past and sought to harmoniously integrate nature and architecture. Inside the castle walls, it is possible to visit the ruins of the Romanesque church of St. Peter, built in the 12th century after the Christian reconquest. This church, now in ruins, is a place of great historical and archaeological interest, where numerous artifacts have been found that tell the long history of the site. The church also hosts temporary exhibitions and presentations that illustrate the history of the castle and the region. The hills of Sintra, with their dense forests and lush vegetation, offer a rich and varied habitat, adding an additional layer of charm to the castle visit. The trails that cross the site allow visitors to explore the surrounding nature and enjoy spectacular views along the way. An interesting anecdote related to the castle concerns its defensive function during the Moorish period. It is said that the castle was equipped with secret passages and underground tunnels, used for supplies and communications in case of siege. These passages, along with the water cisterns, testified to the ingenuity of the Moors in creating self-sufficient and difficult-to-breach fortifications. For those visiting the Castle of the Moors, the experience is enriched by the opportunity to also explore the nearby Pena Palace, another architectural gem of Sintra. This palace, with its eclectic style and colorful decorations, offers a fascinating contrast to the austere walls of the castle and represents another example of the region’s cultural and historical richness.