Moorish Castle | Sintra

Information

Landmark: Moorish Castle
City: Sintra
Country: Portugal
Continent: Europe

Moorish Castle, Sintra, Portugal, Europe

The Castle of the Moors (Castelo dos Mouros) is a medieval hilltop fortification situated on one of the highest peaks of the Sintra Mountains in Portugal. It serves as a prominent archaeological site and vantage point overlooking the town of Sintra and the Atlantic Ocean.

Visual Characteristics

The fortress is composed of approximately 450 meters of winding perimeter walls and five rectangular towers constructed from granite blocks and mortar. The masonry follows the natural contours of the jagged rock formations, with the "Keep" (Torre de Menagem) occupying the highest elevation. The walls are topped with crenelated battlements, and the interior courtyard contains the ruins of a Romanesque chapel and ancient silos carved into the stone.

Location & Access Logistics

The site is located on Estrada da Pena, approximately 3.5km from the Sintra train station. Similar to the Pena Palace, private vehicle access is prohibited on the main ascent road. Visitors must take the 434 tourist bus or hike the Santa Maria Trail from the historic center. The entrance is a short walk from the drop-off point shared with the Pena Palace entrance.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The castle was established by the Moors in the 8th or 9th century during the Islamic occupation of the Iberian Peninsula to defend the local territory and monitor the coast. It was surrendered to King Afonso Henriques in 1147 following the conquest of Lisbon. The site underwent significant romanticized restoration in the 19th century under King Ferdinand II. It is situated within a dense forest of oak, cork, and pine trees growing among massive granite boulders.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can walk the entire length of the perimeter walls and climb the narrow stone stairs to the battlements. The Royal Tower provides a direct line of sight to the Pena Palace. Archaeological exhibits near the entrance display artifacts found on-site, including Moorish ceramics and human remains from the medieval Christian cemetery.

Infrastructure & Amenities

A small cafeteria and a gift shop are located near the entrance gate. Public restrooms are available at the visitor center. 4G/5G cellular signal is strong on the towers but can drop in the lower wooded paths. The terrain consists of steep, uneven stone steps and narrow walkways, making it unsuitable for strollers or wheelchairs.

Best Time to Visit

The best time for clear photography of the surrounding landscape is midday when the morning mountain mist has dissipated. Late afternoon provides low-angle lighting that emphasizes the texture of the granite walls. The castle is open daily from 09:00 to 18:30, with the final entry 30 minutes before closing.

Facts & Legends

A large cistern located within the castle walls was designed to collect and store rainwater, ensuring a supply that could last for months during a siege; legend says it was so vast it could hold the water required for the entire population of Sintra. The site also features "Silos," deep pits once used for storing grain, which were frequently mistaken by later inhabitants for secret dungeons.