High on the hills above Sintra, Portugal, the Moorish Castle guarded the town from invaders, starting in the 8th century, during the early years of Moorish rule on the Iberian peninsula. Today it is a popular attraction for tourists, with spectacular views out over Sintra and further, and spectacular climbs to higher and higher points on the wall. We found the climb easy, but at points looking at all the stairways reminded us of an Escher painting!
The castle has had a checkered history; its original Moorish builders turned it over to a Christian noble in return for his help against rival Moors, who then seized it themselves and held it until the Christian conquest of Portugal in the 12th century. It continued in service; more buildings and a chapel were added later.
Many visitors combine a visit to the Moorish Castle with a visit to the Pena Palace just up the road. Built as a 19th century addition to an old monastery, it was featured as a Gumbo Pic of the Day earlier this year. Click HERE to see it.
Sintra is a 40-minute train ride from Lisbon; local buses climb the mountain to the Moorish Castle and Pena Palace. Many daytrips from Lisbon are also available. Click HERE for information about the Sintra Park, including the Moorish Castle and Pena Palace.
