Moorish Castle

An enduring legacy above Sintra

Founded in the 10th century during the Muslim occupation of the Iberian Peninsula, the Moorish Castle was built to watch over the territory — today it offers one of Sintra’s most striking walks.

Its famous walls follow the granite landscape, winding between boulders and cliffs. The rampart path alternates between drama and calm: the town below, Pena nearby, and the Atlantic stretching into the distance.

To enrich your visit, digital resources are available, including Zoomguide, the official audio guide with AI integration.

What’s included

• Entrance to the Moorish Castle
  
• Access to the Interpretation Centre
• Walk along the ramparts and wall path (viewpoints and panoramas)
• Access to key points of interest (e.g., second ring of walls, cistern, Arms Square, Traitor’s Gate, Church of São Pedro de Canaferrim, Christian medieval necropolis, Islamic Quarter, silos)
• Digital resources available, including Zoomguide, in Portuguese, English, Spanish and French
• Dog-friendly: dogs are welcome (see conditions)

Opening hours

• 9.30am opening > 6.00pm closing (last ticket and last entry at 5.30pm)
• Ticket office closed between 12.00pm and 1.00pm. Automatic ticket machine available.

How to Get There

• Entrance to the Moorish Castle: 38°47'33.2"N 9°23'17.5"W
• Public transport: Bus no. 434 (Scotturb), from Sintra railway station.
• Private vehicle: Private traffic is not permitted on the access roads to this monument. Visitors are advised to use hiking trails or public transport, available from the railway station, the historic centre or the various peripheral car parks around the town of Sintra.
• Hiking trails: Santa Maria Trail (starting in São Pedro de Sintra, 1,770 metres, 1 hour); Seteais Trail (starting at the Palace of Seteais, 2,410 metres, 1h30); Vila Sassetti Trail (starting at the Historic Centre/Largo Ferreira de Castro, 1,850 metres; 45 minutes).
• Parques de Sintra’s responsibilities are limited to the parks and monuments under its management. The company is not responsible for external circumstances, namely access routes and transport to the sites.

Recommendations

• Please allow sufficient time for your journey to the Moorish Castle. Access from Sintra Historic Centre by private vehicle is not permitted.
• Plan your journey in advance, considering the available options: public transport or marked walking trails.