Castle of the Moors
Castelo dos Mouros
The 8th–9th century Moorish walls along the Sintra ridge, from whose battlements you can look out over Pena Palace, Sintra town and the Atlantic.
The Castle of the Moors was built by North African Moors in the 8th and 9th centuries and captured by Afonso I in 1147. It was later gradually abandoned, and in the 19th century Ferdinand II restored it as a Romantic ruin landscape. The walls wind for about 450 metres along the granite ridge. Climb up to the Royal Tower for a close view of Pena Palace on the opposite hilltop and, on clear days, views of the Atlantic and Lisbon. There are many steep steps and strong winds, so wear non-slip shoes. Admission is about €12, and a combined ticket with Pena Palace is available. Getting there: take the 434 loop bus from Sintra station, or walk up from Sintra town in about 40 minutes.
Opening hours
About 09:30–18:30
Nearby sights
- Pena Palace, Sintra
- Casa Piriquita
- Sintra Historic Centre
- Biester Palace
- Sintra National Palace
- Quinta da Regaleira
- Seteais Palace
- Cruz Alta (Pena Park)