[PORTUGAL] Sintra - Moorish Castle

11:12 Travel Bunny 0 Comments

It was a scenic walk under shades of trees towards the walls.

The silo was used to store grains and legumes. The use of silos has been documented since prehistoric times and was widely introduced in the Al-Andalus (medieval Muslim state covering most of the Iberian Peninsular) by the Arabs.

The restoration works promoted by King Ferdinand II damaged part of the Christian necropolis located around the church. A small tomb was thus built to lay the remains that had been unearthed. The head stone bore the engraving of a crescent and a cross with the inscription: "What man has assembled only God can set apart." given the inability to distinguish whether the human remains were Christian or Muslim.

Church of Sao Pedro was built in the 12th century. It was the first parish church of Sintra, which was used for worship until the 14th century. It now houses the Interpretation Centre of the History of the Castle, where objects found during the archaeological excavations are exhibited.

The Muslims who inhabited the castle settled on the most sheltered hillside, where the remains of houses, an oven and silos were found. After the conquest by King Afonso Henriques, the former Islamic medieval quarters was destroyed and replaced by Christian medieval necropolis serving the Church of Sao Pedro de Canaferrim, with graves containing more than one individual (adults, children and adolescent resting in the same space).  

The Arms Square is the broadest open space in the castle. It provided for gatherings of the military garrison. In the 19th century, it was transformed into a place of rest and contemplation.

Walking along the inner walls on the northern face of the castle.

Climbing up the walls towards the Royal Tower.

The Royal Tower offers the privileged view of Pena Palace. This would have been one of King Ferdinand II's favourite locations to find artistic inspiration in the landscape, in accordance with his romantic ideal.

In order to protect people, animals and crops, a second circle of walls is usually built, which is evidence that a sizeable settlement once existed on this slope.

The natural and serene setting of the Moorish Castle is a welcomed change as compared to the other tourist-crowded sights of Sintra. Recommended a visit while in Sintra.

Moorish Castle