For many, summer is the favorite time of year for a getaway, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay home in the fall. In fact , even right here near Lisbon, there are places that look like they’ve come straight out of a fairy tale; and the romantic town of Sintra is one of them.
Filled with palaces and mansions, it’s no wonder that the Cultural Landscape of Sintra has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the key elements of this photogenic charm is the Moorish Castle. Located about a 30-minute drive from Lisbon, the castle stands atop the mountain, an imposing presence.
Getting to Sintra from Lisbon isn’t difficult; the real challenge, however, may be reaching the top of the castle. Strategically carved into the rocks, the castle—built by the Moors between the 8th and 10th centuries —served to guard the territory by land and sea. From the top of the walls, the horizon stretches from the Sintra Mountains to the floodplains and the Atlantic, offering a truly timeless view. And the best part? By purchasing this ticket online, you can skip the lines for a quicker journey back in time.
22 October 2026 09:30 + more dates
Castelo dos Mouros Sintra
From the Moors to the Christian Reconquest
There are many reasons to visit the Castelo dos Mouros in Sintra. However, if you’ve never been there and are expecting to find a (nearly) intact fortification like the Castle of Santa Maria da Feira ( in the district of Aveiro), this may not be the ideal destination for you. But part of this fortress’s charm lies precisely in the ruins of its past, which invite you to constantly rediscover the different chapters that make up its storybook.
Designated a National Monument since 1910, the Castelo dos Mouros stands as a direct testament to the Muslim presence in Portugal. Artifacts and remains from that era indicate that a Moorish settlement once existed within its walls. However, beginning in 1147, the fortress came under the control of Afonso Henriques.
As a measure of defense and territorial organization, the administration of the town of Sintra and its surroundings was entrusted to the legendary Gualdim Pais, Grand Master of the Knights Templar, to whom the charter of 1154 was granted . It is also worth noting that the first Christian chapel in Sintra was built within the walls—the Church of São Pedro de Canaferrim, which can still be visited today. In fact, this is where the Moorish Castle Interpretation Center is located .
A New (and Romantic) Life
Like other medieval fortresses, over time the Castelo dos Mouros lost its primary function as a military defense post, eventually falling into disuse and sustaining significant damage from the tragic 1755 earthquake. However, it gained a new (and romantic) lease on life thanks to the intervention of one of the most fascinating figures in Sintra’s history: King Ferdinand II, who was married to Queen Maria II.
In fact, we owe a huge “thank you” to the King Consort, since it was his passion for Sintra and the Romantic style that gave us part of the fairy-tale setting we can admire today. Known as the “Artist King,” King Fernando II purchased the Castelo dos Mouros in the 19th century. Instead of transforming it into a modern fortress, he chose to restore its medieval charm and reforest the surrounding areas to create a true “enchanting ruin.” A poetic setting, amid moss and ancient stones, awaits your visit!
Useful Information
Address: 2710-405 Sintra
Hours: daily, from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; however
Tickets: available at the on-site ticket office; available on the Fever platform (the aforementioned skip-the-line ticket) and on the official Parques de Sintrawebsite
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