Moorish Castle in Sintra: Complete Guide to History, Architecture & Visiting Tips

Discover the Castle of the Moors in Sintra, Portugal — a 9th-century hilltop fortress with breathtaking views, mysterious legends, and deep historical roots. Learn its history, opening hours, ticket prices, and how to visit from Lisbon.

Introduction: A Timeless Fortress Above Sintra

The Moorish Castle (Castelo dos Mouros) rises majestically above the lush Sintra Mountains, just 30 km from Lisbon. Built in the 9th century by Muslim settlers, this medieval fortress once protected vital trade routes and coastal access.

After centuries of decline, King Ferdinand II revived the ruins during Portugal’s Romantic era, transforming them into one of the country’s most atmospheric landmarks.
Today, the castle forms part of Sintra’s UNESCO World Heritage landscape, combining Islamic architecture, medieval defense, and Romantic charm — making it one of the top attractions in Sintra.

History of Moorish Castle

9th Century Origins

Built by Muslim settlers using local granite, the castle occupied a strategic position overlooking the Atlantic and the roads leading to Lisbon. Its high walls once served as a key defensive point in Islamic Portugal.

Christian Conquest (1147)

In 1147, King Afonso I of Portugal captured Sintra during the Christian Reconquest. A small chapel dedicated to St. Peter was built within the fortress, marking a new era. However, as Lisbon became the capital, the castle’s military relevance faded.

Decline and Destruction

By the 15th century, the fortress was abandoned. The 1755 Lisbon earthquake left much of it in ruins, reducing towers and battlements to rubble.

Romantic Restoration

In the 19th century, King Ferdinand II restored the castle — not as a fortress, but as a Romantic ruin. He reinforced the walls, rebuilt scenic paths, and preserved its picturesque decay, creating one of Portugal’s most beautiful historic sites.

Architecture and Design

Natural Materials

Constructed with granite from the Sintra Mountains, the structure adapts perfectly to the rugged terrain, blending architecture and nature.

Main Features

• Walls: 450 meters long with battlements and stone walkways
• Towers: Panoramic lookout points over land and sea
• Gates: Narrow and fortified for defense
• Cisterns: Rainwater reservoirs for survival during sieges

Chapel and Ruins

Inside, visitors can see the remains of St. Peter’s Chapel and traces of simple stone dwellings — a window into medieval life.

Romantic Enhancements

King Ferdinand’s restoration cleared vegetation, stabilized ruins, and connected the castle to the nearby Pena Palace, creating one of the most iconic Sintra viewpoints.

The Landscape and Symbolism of Sintra’s Castle

A Fortress in the Clouds

At 210 meters above Sintra, the castle offers a mystical setting often wrapped in fog and wind. Its dramatic landscape perfectly embodies the spirit of Sintra — nature, mystery, and beauty intertwined.

Panoramic Views

From the walls, you can see:

• The Atlantic Ocean to the west
• The Tagus River estuary and Lisbon to the east
• The colorful Pena Palace nearby
• The Sintra Historical Center below

A Symbol of Time and Memory

For the Romantics, the Castle of the Moors represented Portugal’s layered history — Islamic origins, Christian conquest, and Romantic rebirth — all coexisting in one timeless monument.

Legends and Myths

Local folklore tells of Moorish maidens, hidden treasures, and forgotten battles, giving the site an air of enchantment that continues to fascinate visitors.

Plan Your Visit

Moorish Castle Tickets

• Adults: 12 €
• Youth, children & seniors: 10 €
• Family and group discounts available
• Combo tickets: Castle + Pena Palace

Opening Hours

• Summer (March–October): 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM
• Winter (October–March): 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
• Last entry: 30 minutes before closing

How to Get There from Lisbon

• By train: 40 min from Lisbon (Rossio Station → Sintra)
• By bus: Line 434 (15 min from Sintra Station)
• By car: 30–40 min, but no direct access for private vehicles
• On foot: Scenic trails like Vila Sassetti (1.8 km) or Santa Maria Trail (approx. 55 min)

Recommended Visit Duration

Plan 1.5 to 2 hours to explore comfortably.
Combine your visit with the Pena Palace (200 m away) and Sintra’s old town.

 Visitor Tips

• Wear comfortable shoes — the paths are steep and uneven
• Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds
• Expect fog and wind — bring a jacket
• Choose combo tickets for the best value

UNESCO Heritage and Conservation

Why It’s a World Heritage Site

In 1995, UNESCO inscribed the Cultural Landscape of Sintra, recognizing its extraordinary mix of palaces, gardens, and castles integrated into the natural scenery.

Preservation Efforts

Managed by Parques de Sintra – Monte da Lua, the site is carefully protected through conservation work, educational programs, and sustainable tourism practices.

Archaeological Discoveries

Excavations uncovered ceramics, silos, and domestic remains — valuable clues about life during the Islamic and medieval Christian periods.

Environmental Protection

As part of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, strict environmental regulations safeguard its flora, fauna, and hiking trails.

Other Moorish Castles to Visit

In Portugal

• Castle of Almourol: A fairy-tale island fortress on the Tagus River
• Castle of Silves: A striking red sandstone castle in the Algarve
• Castle of Paderne: A well-preserved example of Almohad military design

In Spain

• Alhambra (Granada): A masterpiece of Islamic art and architecture
• Gibralfaro (Málaga): A coastal fortress with panoramic sea views
• Castillo de la Mota (Medina del Campo): A blend of Christian and Moorish styles

These fortresses share strategic hilltop locations, walled enclosures, and water cisterns — hallmarks of Moorish military architecture across the Iberian Peninsula.

FAQs about Moorish Castle

When was it built?
In the 9th century, by Muslim settlers.

Who conquered it?
King Afonso I (Afonso Henriques) in 1147.

Is it part of UNESCO?
Yes, since 1995, as part of Sintra’s Cultural Landscape.

How long does it take to visit?
About 1.5–2 hours.

Can you walk along the walls?
Yes! The ramparts and towers offer spectacular panoramic views.

Is it accessible by car?
No, private vehicles aren’t allowed — access is by bus, walking, or tourist transport.

Experience the Magic of Sintra with Wonder Van

The Castle of the Moors is more than a historical monument — it’s a gateway to Sintra’s soul. To make the most of your visit, join one of our Wonder Van Sintra tours, combining history, nature, and local flavor in one unforgettable day.

Explore our tours:

• WONDERS OF SINTRA & CASCAIS NATURAL PARK
• WONDERS OF LISBON & SINTRA: A JOURNEY THROUGH HISTORY AND CHARM
• WONDERS OF SINTRA’S ROYAL TREASURES

Let us show you the stories behind the stones, the legends hidden in the mist, and the beauty that makes Sintra truly magical.

Book your Sintra adventure today — and discover the wonders that await.

*By Wonder Van Tour – Creating unforgettable journeys through Portugal, one wonder at a time.