Castle of the Moors Castle

Address: Castle of the Moors (Castelo dos Mouros), Sintra, Lisbon District, Portugal

Website: https://parquesdesintra.pt/en/parks-and-monuments/castelo-dos-mouros/

Hours: Typically 9:30am-6:00pm (seasonal variation; check local listings)

Admission: Adult ~€10-12 (approximate); concessions available

Castle of the Moors (Castelo dos Mouros) is a hilltop medieval fortress near Sintra, Portugal, constructed in the early medieval period by Muslim builders. The castle occupies a strategic ridge and is notable for its extensive ruined walls and elevated vantage points.

The site offers long exterior ramps and crenellated walkways where visitors can traverse sections of the defensive circuit and look out over Sintra, the town, and the Atlantic coast. The most used highlights are the walkable walls and several towers which serve as viewpoints and photo points.

Originally established during the early Middle Ages as a fortified watchpost, it passed to Christian control in the 12th century and later fell into disuse until 19th-century restoration by King Ferdinand II, who incorporated romantic-era preservation into the site. The castle today is presented as a ruin with conserved masonry and restored walkways.

The fortress sits within the hills of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, a short distance above Sintra town and close to Pena Palace and the historical centre.

• Origins and views: Built by Muslim occupants during the early medieval period and later occupied by Christian forces, offering panoramic views over Sintra and the surrounding park.
• Access and setting: Located within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, approximately 30 km west of central Lisbon and a short drive or steep walk from Sintra town centre and the Pena Palace.

What to See#

• Defensive circuit: Perimeter walls and battlements follow the ridge of the hill and include multiple towers and crenellated walkways that offer views across Sintra and toward the Atlantic coast.
• Towers and viewpoints: Main towers and curtain sections date to the original medieval fortification phases and were consolidated during 19th-century restorations, providing the principal viewpoints for visitors.
• Nineteenth-century restoration: 19th-century restoration works integrated romantic-era landscape and viewing intentions, linking the castle to nearby royal projects such as the nearby Pena Palace.

The castle is in Sintra, about 30-40 minutes by train from Lisbon (Rossio Station to Sintra Station). From Sintra town center either walk uphill (about 30-40 minutes) or take local buses and tourist shuttles that stop near the castle entrance.

• Arrive early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the busiest hours and to catch softer light on the battlements.
• Wear sturdy shoes - the castle's sloping walls and uneven steps are ancient and can be slippery when wet.
• Don't skip the walk along the castle walls for panoramic views of Sintra, the Atlantic, and the Pena Palace.