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Castelo dos Mouros, Sintra

4.5
#3 of 109 in Things to do in Sintra
Must see · Castle · Historic Site
A symbol of Islamic presence in the area, the medieval Castelo dos Mouros has served as protection for several groups throughout history. Visiting this World Heritage Site atop a mountainous cliff, you'll have great views of Sintra. This castle was built in the eighth or ninth century to defend the agricultural region and its people. In 1147, the castle surrendered to Christian forces after the conquest of Lisbon. The castle was used as a watchtower and military fortification, and was restored by Ferdinand II based on the Romantic style popular at the time. You can tour this irregular structure, which features a double belt of walls, internal cistern, and royal tower. Add Castelo dos Mouros and other attractions to your Sintra trip itinerary using our Sintra trip planner.
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Tours to Castelo dos Mouros

FROM $56 BOOK WITH VIATOR Half-Day Secrets of Sintra and Cabo da Roca Small-Group Tour
5.0
Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Tours from $56 »
FROM $225 BOOK WITH VIATOR Private Tour: Sintra, Cabo da Roca and Cascais Day Trip from Lisbon
5.0
Duration: 7 to 8 hours
Tours from $225 »
FROM $117 BOOK WITH VIATOR Shared Tour to Sintra from Lisbon Including Entrance to Pena Palace
4.9
Duration: 8 hours
Tours from $117 »

Castelo dos Mouros reviews

Rate this attraction
TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
6,488 reviews
Google
4.6
TripAdvisor
  • By VadimM67
    You can see the Moors Castle without going inside. It was built by the Arabs in the VIII-IX centuries on the ridge of the mountain. After the Reconquista, it stood abandoned for 7 centuries. Can...  more »
  • By TheSommChef
    This is honestly one of the most memorable part of my entire trip to Portugal! We told everyone about it the second we got back to the states. PLEASE GO HERE you will not regret it. It's a bit of a...  more »
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Google
  • By Diana Kalmakova
    We would recommend that you come there with a sandwich or a snack. The place is absolutely stunning, however you have to be comfortable with a little physical activity as there will be many steps and so much to see. There is a lot of places/opportunities where you can sit and have some rest. Definitely take your camera with you to capture all the views
  • By Nadia Hammed
    If you love nature and hiking, castles and architecture you will love this place. It is a bit of a walk to get up the mountain, and you need to be very careful walking alongside walls so high up in the sky. Also make sure you bring a scarf or something because it can get very cold and windy there with the high altitude. But the views are amazing. Worth the climb.
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