As one of the main draws of the Castelo dos Mouros are the spectacular views, do consider if it is worth visiting, if there is fog or low cloud. The entrance fee to the Castelo dos Mouros is €8.00/€6.50/€6.50 (adult/child/senior)Īdvice: Outside of the hot summer months, the steep hills of Sintra can be shrouded in fog or low-lying cloud. The entrance to the Castelo dos Mouros is only 200m from the Pena Palace. If the queues are too long for the Pena Palace, consider visiting the Castelo dos Mouros first, and then returning to the palace when it is later and quieter. Insight: During the summer the Pena Palace (and the highlight of Sintra) can get very crowded. The castle does get busy with visitors, but never to such a level that it detracts from the experience. The peak hours are the early afternoon (12:00-14:00) just after everyone has had their lunch in Sintra town and then head into the hills, where the Pena Palace and Moors castle are situated. A typical visit to the Castelo dos Mouros lasts 60-90 minutes, and is a surprisingly large complex. The castle is open between 9:00-18:30, and the last admission is 1 hour before closing time. The Castelo dos Mouros is one of the three classic sights seen in a typical day trip to Sintra, the other two being the Palácio Nacional da Pena and Palácio Nacional de Sintra. Related articles: Sintra introduction – Day trip to Sintra – Hidden sights of Sintra There are the ancient battlements to explore, the defensive towers to climb, along with the spectacular views that convinced the Moors to build the castle here. Today, the Castelo dos Mouros still retains the tranquil and peaceful setting that inspired King Ferdinand II, and the castle has a very different ambience to the other tourist-crowded sights of Sintra.įor you as a visitor, there is a lot to see within the castle. The natural and serene setting of the castle ruins enticed King Ferdinand II (1816-1885) to partially restore the battlements, and to transform it into the "showpiece" in the grounds of his wonderous Pena Palace. The Christian Crusaders in 1147 stormed the castle, and under their subsequent rule, the was left to become a ruin, taken over by the dense forests that cover the Serra de Sintra hills. The castle was constructed on an exposed rocky outcrop, and this high vantage point provided the Moors a strategic view along the coastline and surrounding lands. The ruins of the Castelo dos Mouros stand high above Sintra, and during the Moorish era (8-12th century) this once mighty castle defended the entire region. Read more on our article on why Portugal's cuisine is as rich and varied as its landscape.Castelo dos Mouros (Castle of the Moors) Sintra
Want to learn more about why Portugal is known for its cuisine. Visit the historic landmarks that are spread across the country, from Moorish castles to medieval defensive towers and gothic monasteries.
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