Castle of the Moors- Castelo dos Mouros, Parque Natural de Sintra-Cascais
Castle of the Moors (Castelo dos Mouros) is the ruins of a hilltop medieval castle in Moorish style, that can be seen from Pena, and overlooks the Iberian peninsula. It is also a national monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was an important defense point for the Moors during the reconquista (711-1492), before the castle was taken over by the Christians. Steep hills and stairs, with amazing views, as well as trees, greenery and flowers surround the castle ruins. It was constructed in the 8th-9th century by the Moors during the Muslim Iberia period. In the 16th century the castle was used by the Jewish. There is a chapel in the castle. A modern structure with labyrinth like corridors and open roof have been built at the entrance as the ticket office and lavatories. Steep stairs leed up to terraces where you find the most impressing viewpoint terraces. |