fortress Archives - Portugal Confidential

Paderne Castle (Castelo Paderne)

P. Simão — Mon, 25 Jan 2016 10:37:13 +0000

The Castle of Paderne sits in a dominant position on a hill next to the Quarteira River. It can be seen by passing motorists on the A22. It was built in the late 11th to early 12th centuries by Arabs and considered one of the best examples of Arab military architecture in the Iberian peninsula. It was conquered by Dom Palo Peres Correira in 1280. Today, the Paderne Castle is one of seven castle symbols on the Portuguese national flag. […]

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Silves Castle

P. Simão — Sat, 23 Jan 2016 11:54:33 +0000

Silves Castle is the largest, most important and best preserved of the Algarve. It was built in the 11th century of red sandstone and mud. The Moors seized control not long after and built much of the core foundation of the complex. There are eleven square towers, two of which are barbicans joined to the ramparts by a supporting arch that holds up the walk way. There were two entrances to the castle: the main gate, sitting between the two […]

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Fortaleza de Sagres

P. Simão — Sat, 23 Jan 2016 11:49:17 +0000

The Fortaleza Sagres (also known as Sagres Castle or Fort Sagres) sits atop the Ponta de Sagres, in the southwestern-most point of Portugal. The fortress was built in the 15th century by Prince Henry (right before the Portuguese Discoveries). The fort was heavily damaged due to a run in with the English pirate Francis Drake, and later by the earthquake of 1755. The fortress walls curtain off the land-side of the Ponta. There are watchtowers on either end of the […]

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Castro Marim Castle

P. Simão — Sat, 23 Jan 2016 11:35:21 +0000

Built in the thirteenth century by King Afonso III, Castro Marim Castle sits on a high hilltop overlooking the mouth of the Guardiana river. It is considered by scholars as one of the most significant monuments of medieval Portuguese in the region. The castle shaped is an irregular quadrangle, with four turrets at the corners of the walls. Inside the walls is the Old Castle building, Church of Our Lady of Martyrs and the Ethnographic Museum of Castro Marim. The […]

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Alcoutim Castle

P. Simão — Sat, 23 Jan 2016 11:16:54 +0000

The Alcoutim Castle was built in the 14th century to defend the border from invaders. It sits atop a hill overlooking the Guardiana River and Spain. Inside the walls of the castle are several interesting attractions. The Municipal Museum of Alcoutim displays an historical path of the city from its inception over 500 years ago. A presentation in the auditorium shows what life is like in the village. There’s also an exhibition of Islamic board games and rocks found in […]

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Tavira Castle

P. Simão — Sat, 23 Jan 2016 10:27:11 +0000

The Castle of Tavira sits high in the center of city. Although now just a shell, it sits in tribute to a greater monument built in the 11th century by the Moors. Today, visitors can roam the grounds. A manicured garden now replaces the old castle parade. It is possible to climb the walls and towers to see extraordinary views of the city. Castelo de Tavira Tavia Eastern Algarve Phone: +351 281 380 620 (Tavira Verde) Summer Hours: Monday to […]

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Castelo de São Jorge – St. George’s Castle in Lisbon

P. Simão — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 11:01:20 +0000

Visiting Lisbon? It’s hard to miss Castelo de São Jorge (St. George’s Castle) high on a hill overlooking the city. Built in the mid-11th century, when the Moors ruled Portugal, this fort was built on what was considered to be the most difficult spot to access in the area. It’s purpose was to house military troops and in case of siege. Eleven towers still remain, including: Torre de Menagem (Tower of the Keep); Torre de Ulisses (Tower of Ulysses); Torre […]

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