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The Castle of the Moors, located in Sintra, Portugal, is a fascinating historical monument that attracts thousands of visitors every year. Perched on a hill with breathtaking views over the region, this medieval castle is a must-see for lovers of history, nature and spectacular scenery. In this article, we reveal everything you need to know to plan your visit: its history, how to get there, prices, and much more.
The Moorish Castle, also known as Castelo dos Mouros, was built in the 9th century during the period of Muslim domination of the Iberian Peninsula. The Moors, originally from North Africa, erected this fortress to protect the town of Sintra and keep an eye on the surrounding trade routes.
The choice of location is not insignificant: perched at an altitude of over 400 metres, the castle offers a strategic view of the region, enabling enemy movements to be spotted from miles around. The surrounding walls, built following the natural contours of the mountain, bear witness to the ingenuity of the architects of the time.
In the 12th century, the castle fell into Christian hands during the Reconquista, led by Portugal’s first king, Alfonso I. This period marked a turning point in the castle’s history, as it became a symbol of Christian power in the region. This period marked a turning point in the history of the castle, which became a symbol of Christian power in the region.
However, after the Reconquista, the castle gradually lost its strategic importance. The inhabitants of Sintra moved to more accessible areas, and the castle gradually fell into ruin.
In the 19th century, King Ferdinand II, with his passion for history and architecture, undertook restoration work to breathe new life into this emblematic monument. Under his direction, the walls were consolidated, the towers restored, and paths were laid out to facilitate visitor access.
Today, the Castle of the Moors is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the cultural landscape of Sintra, a popular destination for travelers from all over the world.
Castle of the Moors offers spectacular views of Sintra, the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding hills. The surrounding walls, which wind along the mountain ridge, allow visitors to enjoy unique vistas. On a clear day, you can even see Lisbon in the distance.
As you explore the castle ruins, you’ll discover fascinating relics such as watchtowers, cisterns and fortified walls. Each stone tells a story of the battles, conquests and civilizations that have shaped Portugal.
The Castle of the Moors also houses a permanent exhibition retracing its history through archaeological artefacts, models and explanatory panels. A must-see for history buffs.
The castle is surrounded by a lush forest, ideal for hiking and nature lovers. The well-maintained paths allow you to discover the local flora and fauna while enjoying the mystical atmosphere of the surroundings.
The Castle of the Moors is located in the town of Sintraabout 25 km west of Lisbon. Sintra is a must-see destination in Portugal, known for its enchanting palaces, verdant landscapes and rich historical heritage.
The castle is easily accessible from downtown Sintra, whether on foot, by bus or by car. Its elevated position makes it a landmark visible from many parts of the region.
From Lisbon, take the train to Sintra from Rossio station. The journey takes about 40 minutes. Once in Sintra, you can reach the castle by bus (line 434) or on foot (approx. 30-minute walk).
The 434 bus, also known as the “Circuit de la Pena”, is a convenient option for visitors. It serves Sintra’s main sights, including the Castle of the Moors, the Pena Palace and the historic center.
If you prefer to drive, take the A16 freeway towards Sintra. Parking is available close to the city center, but can be crowded in high season. We recommend arriving early to find a space easily.
For the more sporty, a hike to the castle is an excellent option. The trails are well-marked and offer magnificent views all along the way. Allow 30-45 minutes’ walk from the town center.
2025 rates
Buying Tickets
Tickets can be purchased on site at the castle ticket office or online via the official Parques de Sintra website. Online purchase is recommended to avoid queues, especially in high season.
Combination tickets, which include entry to several Sintra sites (such as the Pena Palace and the Quinta da Regaleira), are also available and can save you money.
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