Castelo dos Mouros Review

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Castelo dos Mouros

Fodor's Review:

Only the battlemented ruins of the 9th-century Moorish Castle still stand today, but the extent of these gives a fine impression of the solid fortress that finally fell from Moorish hands when it was conquered by Dom Afonso Henriques in 1147. It's visible from various points in Sintra itself—the steps of Sintra Palace is a favored vantage point—but for a closer look follow the steps that lead up to the ruins from the back of the town center, a walk that will take around 40 minutes going up and 25 minutes coming down. Buses run this way, too, or rent one of the horse-drawn carriages outside Sintra Palace for a more romantic trip. Panoramic views from the castle's serrated walls help explain why Moorish architects chose the site, and eagle-eyed visitors can also trace the remains of a mosque within the walls.

  • Cost: EUR 4, guided tours EUR 8
  • Open: June-Sept., daily 9-8; Oct.-May, daily 9-7. Last admission 1 hr before closing
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