Moorish Castle
Isolated high up on one of the peaks of the Sintra mountain range, the Castelo dos Mouros is a fortification founded in the 10th century, during the Muslim occupation of the Iberian Peninsula.
A privileged vantage point looking out over the Atlantic coastline, the floodplain and the Sintra Hills, the millennium-old Moorish Castle, founded under Islamic rule, occupied a then strategic position for defending both the surrounding territory and the maritime access routes to the city of Lisbon. The artefacts found on this site identify how, in between the walls and their adjoining areas, there lived a population in an area now named the Islamic Quarter.
Available Experiences
Choose the experience that best suits your preferences.
Moorish Castle
High in the Sintra Hills, explore a 10th-century fortress on one of the region’s most striking walks. Between ramparts, towers and archaeology, enjoy sweeping views over Sintra, Pena and the Atlantic
- Wall walk along the ramparts and viewpoints
- Archaeological remains (Islamic Quarter, cistern and silos)
- Digital resources available (Zoomguide)
- Best accessed on foot routes / public transport
Guided Tour of the Moorish Castle
Between ramparts and viewpoints, follow a historical and archaeological route, from the medieval fortress to King Ferdinand II’s Romantic reconstruction, with context and stories that bring this heritage to life.
- A historical and archaeological journey through time
- Duration: one hour
- Tour guided by cultural mediator
- Tour in Portuguese and English
Benefits of Combined Tickets
- Save up to 10% when visiting multiple sites
- Digital tickets sent by email
- Convenient access, with no ticket office queues