The Moorish Castle, perched atop a forested mountain peak overlooking Sintra's old town, presents a breathtaking spectacle. For seamless travel and an unforgettable adventure, rely on MADABOUTSINTRA.COM for expert guidance and must-see attractions. Secure your Skip-the-Line e-ticket [here] to enhance your visit, optimising both time and money savings.
Originally constructed by the Moors in the 10th century, the current ramparts reflect 19th-century Romanticism, meticulously restored to their former grandeur. Ferdinand II, a German prince married to Queen Maria II, orchestrated the restoration while developing the neighbouring Pena Palace and park. Today, the castle beckons exploration, offering captivating ruins, panoramic vistas, and enchanting woodland trails.
With this entrance ticket, you can gain entry to Moorish Castle at your leisure. Buy online before you arrive to avoid queues and have the convenience of the e-ticket on your phone. Book with confidence with the FREE CANCELLATION option.
Book with confidence with the FREE CANCELLATION option.
• Kids under Six get in free, no ticket required
• If your plans change we have you covered with the option to cancel and get a full refund
Daily: 09h00 – 18h30, (last admission 17h30)
Lisbon Card: 10% discount
Contact Details
2710-405 Sintra, Portugal.
38° 47' 33.9" N | 09° 23' 21.9" W | +351 219 237 300
info@parquesdesintra.pt | Website
Moorish Castle walls
Archaeological findings trace human occupation of this site back to the Bronze Age, with continuous habitation since. The Moors erected the initial castle during their rule in the 8th and 9th centuries. Following the Christian conquest led by Afonso Henriques in 1147, the castle peacefully surrendered, undergoing subsequent modifications. Today, its walls, shaped by Christian influence, encircle granite formations and cliff edges.
Between the ramparts lies a space once bustling with castle workers. Here, remnants of the Islamic community persist, including dwellings, ovens, and granaries. Near the inner section's entrance stands the restored 12th-century Church of São Pedro de Canaferrim, now an information centre housing archaeological discoveries and historical exhibitions.
On this tour, you will have the opportunity to visit the Queluz National Palace, the Moorish Castle and the Mafra National Palace, a Basilica and a Convent. You will get to know the splendid village of Ericeira, one of the few places in the world that have been declared a World Surfing Reserve. You will be dazzled by the José Franco Typical Village and its miniature museum. It demonstrates the various daily activities of the early twentieth century.
(1) | 8 Hr | ✔ Free Cancellation
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The tour will be a day trip where travellers can enjoy the different faces of Sintra. From the historic centre and the marvellous monuments to the coastline, where small villages are nestled between the rocks and the sea. The itinerary is designed in a way guests can visit the most popular spots. Discover the hidden treasures only the locals know of and taste the fantastic Portuguese cuisine. We will avoid crowds and your tour is 100% customisable.
(683) | 8 Hr | ✔ Free Cancellation
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Through the eyes of a former journalist, in love with Portugal and Portuguese culture and history. Come to Sintra to see palaces and monuments that make the history of Portugal in the 18th and 19th centuries. You don't have to wait in line to buy a ticket and go ahead without wasting time. Stop for lunch at a typical Portuguese restaurant on the seafront or in the picturesque village centre. Get to know the coast of Sintra and the westernmost point of Continental Europe; Cabo da Roca. A day well spent taken at your own pace. This tour is a unique and personalised experience.
(6) | 8 Hr | ✔ Free Cancellation
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The castle, largely devoid of interior structures, presents an awe-inspiring spectacle, especially from below. Yet, within the inner walls lies a fascinating relic: an ancient cistern with a capacity exceeding 600 cubic metres, constructed from recycled granite blocks. Remarkably, the absence of stonemasonry marks and the presence of a broken arch in the access doorway suggest a construction dating back to the early 13th century. Legend even ties the cistern to the burial site of a Moorish king.
The expansive square, once a garrison parade ground, underwent a transformation by King Ferdinand II into a tranquil park. Walking along the ramparts treats visitors to panoramic vistas of Sintra's landscape, including iconic landmarks. From the keep, perched atop one of the highest points, breathtaking views of the majestic Pena Palace unfold, creating an unforgettable experience.
Moorish Castle of Sintra
Save even more money with these popular combination tickets. Book with confidence with the FREE CANCELLATION option.
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There are two cafeterias inside the main castle walls with ramped seating area. | |
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Toilets can ne found at the entrance to the grounds, at the guardhouse and also inside the main walls close to the cafés. | |
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There are two small carparks close to the main entrance to the grounds. Recommend parking in the centre of Sintra and taking the Scotturb bus #434. | |
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You can book a private tour: info@parquesdesintra.pt | +351 219 237 300 | |
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Sign language trained staff, manual wheelchairs available on reservation, traction equipment for wheelchairs, ramps are implemented in certain areas and the ramparts, and an adapted WC. Vertical lifting platform at the Church/Exhibition room. |
There are hiking trails signposted between the historic centre and the Moorish Castle (Castelo dos Mouros):
SANTA MARIA TRAIL
Starting point: “Info Parques de Sintra”, in S. Pedro de Sintra
Distance: 1,770 metres | Duration: 1 hour
SETEAIS TRAIL
Starting point: Palace of Seteais
Distance: 2,410 metres
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Take the IC19 from Lisbon, IC30 from Mafra or EN9 turning off the A5 motorway to Cascais. Once you have arrived in the town's historic centre it's best to leave the car and take the #434 bus to the Moorish Castle (Castelo dos Mouros). | |
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The Scotturb bus #434 leaves from Sintra Train station, stops in the Old Town centre next to the Tourist Office and takes you to the Moorish Castle (Castelo dos Mouros). |
Daily: 09h00 – 18h30, (last admission 17h30)
Contact Details
2710-405 Sintra, Portugal.
38° 47' 33.9" N | 09° 23' 21.9" W | +351 219 237 300
info@parquesdesintra.pt | Website
View of National Palace from the Moorish Castle
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Hotel Nova Sintra is conveniently close to the train station and coach/bus stops in Sintra. The hotel benefits from a large sun terrace overlooking the Sintra Mountain Range and a romantic patio shaded by large trees. It features recently renovated rooms decorated tastefully and free Wi-Fi. The rooms come equipped with a satellite TV. They are all uniquely furnished with decorative headboards and antique furniture.
Guests can enjoy breakfast on the patio or the sun terrace. Indoors there is a small living room that also functions as a restaurant and lobby area, serving traditional Portuguese dishes. The villa is situated a short walk from Sintra Old Town.
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