Castle of the Moors

About this place

Built during Muslim rule, this hilltop fortress helped control the surrounding landscape before passing to Christian forces in the 12th century. Its walls follow Sintra's rugged terrain. The views explain its strategic position and the relationship between the castle, settlement and Atlantic approaches. The fortress passed to Christian control after Lisbon fell in 1147, linking the history of Sintra with a wider change in regional power. The walls make especially clear how natural obstacles could strengthen a defensive site. Read the ridges, slopes and enclosed spaces together to imagine the practical decisions faced by its medieval builders.