The Best Castles in Portugal You Should Visit

If you’re planning a trip to Portugal, you should consider visiting some of the country’s historic castles. There are many to choose from, and a few of them are listed below. You can visit Arraiolos castle, Castelo dos Mouros, Pena Palace, or Aljezur Castle, or combine several of them. You’ll be glad you did! And you can learn about the history of each before you make your trip.

Arraiolos castle

Visiting Arraiolos castle in Portugal is an excellent way to explore the town. The medieval Arraiolos castle is located in the civil parish and municipality of Arraiolos in the Portuguese district of Évora. The castle has a rich history, and its architecture has been admired since its construction in the fourteenth century. The castle is a popular tourist destination for visitors to Portugal, and is well worth a visit.

The town of Arraiolos lies in the Alentejo region of Portugal. The town is very pleasant and has a history dating back to the second century BC. It was built by King D. Dinis and soon spread beyond the walls. The town’s artistic heritage is also enriched by the Salvador church, which is adorned with beautiful paintings. Once you’re done exploring the castle, you can head to nearby Arraiolos for a relaxing day of shopping and exploring the town.

When it comes to weather conditions, Arraiolos is a very pleasant place to visit in Portugal. The average temperature is seventy degrees and sixty percent humidity. The visibility is fifteen percent and the clouds are 17 percent. There are six MPH winds and a sunset at 7:37 PM. If you’re looking for the best time to visit the castle, try to visit it on a Wednesday or a Saturday.

Castelo dos Mouros

The Sintra area is one of the most popular day trips from Lisbon. The town is home to the Pena Palace and Castelo dos Mouros. Many people choose to combine this town with Cascais. The trip is approximately 30 minutes from the center of Lisbon. Parking is a problem in the Sintra area, but there are plenty of options. Castelo dos Mouros is a must-see, and the Sintra National Palace is a must-see as well.

A beautiful medieval town, Sintra sits just outside of Lisbon, a pleasant day trip. The town is home to Castelo dos Mouros, a castle that’s often shrouded in mist. Built between the eighth and ninth centuries, this castle was taken over by the Christians in 1147. This is the most authentic view of Sintra’s history. It was once the last stronghold of the Moors in the area.

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The castle’s ruins are located on a rocky outcrop on the cliffs above Sintra. The castle was once a stronghold that protected the entire area. The ruins were built in the 8th century by Moors and were attacked a number of times. It was finally taken over by Christian forces in 1147, and it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Pena Palace

When you visit Pena Palace, you are likely to be enchanted by its unique architecture. The castle is reminiscent of the Bavarian castles in Germany, and its regal architecture is as emblematic of Portugal as Neuschwanstein is of Germany. Pena Palace, though, is two decades older and predates Neuschwanstein. It is a Romantic-style palace, the first of its kind in Europe. It was built during the reign of King Ferdinand of Portugal, who also ordered the landscaping of the Pena Park below it.

The palace’s architecture is an adaptation of a 16th-century monastery and a medieval fortress. The palace was designed by a German amateur, Baron Wilhelm Ludwig von Schwege. The palace was built on the site of a former monastery for Hieronymite monks, which had been abandoned after the extinction of religious orders by the state in 1834. The northern nucleus of the palace is made up of the buildings of this former monastery. The king began an extensive repair program in 1842, and decided to expand it. His architectural style was heavily influenced by German Romanticism, which emphasizes irrational, spontaneous, and subjective emotions.

Visitors can tour the interior of the palace for a truly fascinating experience. The Pena Palace is comprised of two wing-like structures that are painted yellow and surrounded by battlements and storybook watchtowers. The palace’s drawbridge ringed the castle, which was used as a summer residence for royalty. Inside, the palace’s dining room features a Manueline ceiling and was once the refectory. There is also a medieval altarpiece in an old chapel, and the cloister is decorated with decorative tiles.

Aljezur Castle

Aljezur Castle in Portugal is a small, ruined castle situated in the town of Aljezur, which is located in the western part of the Algarve. This castle may date back to the Bronze and Iron Ages and was later used by the Romans and Visigoths. Despite its ruins, Aljezur is worth a visit for both its history and its unique landscape.

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The town of Aljezur lies 30 kilometers north of Lagos and is split in two by a river. Aljezur Castle is an excellent place for a day out, especially if you’re looking for an idyllic setting to enjoy the outdoors. Among the castle’s numerous features are its location on the Aljezur River, the Rota Vicentina hiking trail, and a heritage walk. Despite the historic and architectural significance of the Aljezur Castle, it’s not well-known for its tourism development and has a low-quality public transportation and accommodations.

Built in the 10th century, the castle was a part of the defensive system of Silves. After the Christian reconquest, it was incorporated into Portuguese territory and passed to the Order of St. James of the Sword. However, its strategic importance gradually waned, and the castle was abandoned in the sixteenth century. The castle has a few ruins from this time period, including a large cistern and ruins of a Christian mediaeval dwelling.

Castle of the Moors

The hilltop medieval Castle of the Moors is located in Sintra, Portugal. The municipality of Sintra is located in central Portugal, 25 km north of the capital, Lisbon. The city is home to many historical and artistic attractions, and is a popular destination for tourists. You can visit the castle for a day trip from Lisbon or explore the city by car. In addition to being a popular tourist destination, the castle is also worth a visit if you are a history buff or have a desire to learn about Portuguese culture.

During the Islamic rule of Spain, the Moors built this castle to protect their agriculturally significant territory. In 1031, the Moorish king of Badajoz built this castle as part of his defense strategy to hold on to the land. While the Christian king of Cordoba tried to stop the Moors from taking the city, this alliance proved unsuccessful. Eventually, the Almoravids took Cordoba and Portugal became an independent nation.

Built 300 years ago, the Moorish Castle served as a strategic defense for the town of Sintra and the region surrounding it. During the Middle Ages, it was the seat of power for the region. After a storm of Christian Crusaders, the Moorish castle was abandoned and became a ruin. Later, it became a “showpiece” for Pena Palace. This magnificent castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Templar-built Covent of Christ

The Templar-built Convent of Christ in Tomar, Portugal, is a unique architectural attraction. It was first built in the 12th century and has been improved over the centuries, adding to its cultural and religious history. The structure was also the home of the secret Order of the Knights Templar. Today, you can explore the cloisters, gardens, and other areas of the convent.

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The Convent of Christ was built over five centuries, incorporating Gothic, Manueline, Renaissance, and Baroque elements. Its centrepiece, the octagonal rotunda, was built in the 12th century, influenced by the Holy Sepulchre Rotunda in Jerusalem. The building’s polygonal ground plan reflects the wealth of the Order of Christ.

The cathedral is home to several notable monuments. The Charola or Rotunda, with its octagonal structure, is a unique architectural feature. Inside, you can view religious paintings in gilded colours. These paintings depict Biblical scenes and are based on similar round religious buildings in Jerusalem. Another notable feature is the window of the Chapter House, which depicts the sea power of Portugal during the Age of Discoveries.

Sintra Castle

While visiting Sintra Castle in Portugal, you must also visit the nearby Palacio Nacional da Pena, a 19th century park. Sintra Castle and the park are both UNESCO World Heritage sites. The town itself is also a protected site and is home to incredible history and culture. There are many other things to see and do in Sintra, including the Parque de Pena, which is a great place to relax and have a picnic.

If you’re looking for a day trip from Lisbon, you can visit Sintra as well. Most people visit Sintra as a day trip from Lisbon. To maximize your time there, visit the castle early in the morning and spend the rest of the day walking around. You can also take a train from Lisbon to Sintra and vice versa. To maximize your time in Sintra, arrive before 9 AM and spend as much time as you can exploring this historic town.

While visiting Sintra Castle, you should also consider visiting its five other palaces. Each one is unique and different, but all are must-see sights. The National Palace of Pena, which was voted one of the 7 Wonders of Portugal in 2007, is one of the best preserved palaces in Europe. Its exquisitely restored interior and exterior make it one of the most impressive expressions of 19th-century Romanticism in Europe. Today, it serves as the summer home for the Portuguese royal family.

About the author

Boris

I love to travel and explore new places around the world. Meeting different people from various intercultural background and spending time with locals is something that makes me feel great. You can connect with me at Google+ or follow me on Twitter.