Silves Castle, located in the city of the same name, is one of the most emblematic examples of Islamic military architecture in Portugal. Built during the period of Arab occupation, the monument, classified as a National Monument since 1910, dates back to the 11th century and stands out for its robustness and state of preservation..
Located at the highest point in the city, the castle occupies an area of around 12,000 square meters. The walls, made of rammed earth and covered with Silves sandstone, a reddish stone characteristic of the region, have an irregular shape and are reinforced by eleven towers. The structure was essential for the defense of the ancient capital of the Algarve during Muslim rule, which ended with the Christian conquest in 1249.
Access to the castle is through a double door with an atrium, flanked by two towers. Inside, the Aljibe stands out, a rectangular cistern with the capacity to store large volumes of water, guaranteeing the population’s supply during prolonged sieges. The Cistern of Dogs, another significant element, is a well more than 40 meters deep, where fragments of medieval ceramics were found during archaeological excavations.
After the Christian reconquest, the castle underwent several interventions, including significant repairs following the earthquakes that shook the region. In the 40s of the 20th century, a major restoration campaign was carried out, giving the fortification its current appearance.
At the entrance, a bronze statue of Dom Sancho I reminds us of the importance of the place during the Christian reconquest. The monarch led, in 1189, the first capture of the city, with the support of crusaders from northern Europe.
For those who want to visit the castle, the entrance price varies between 1.40 and 3.90 euros, depending on the type of ticket chosen. More information can be found on the website, which offers details about opening times, prices and events at the castle. Silves Castle remains one of the Algarve’s main historical landmarks, bearing witness to centuries of history and attracting visitors looking to learn more about the region’s cultural heritage.
Also read:
