Castelo dos Mouros

The impressive ruins of the Moorish castle in Sintra, remind visitors of Portugal's Muslim past, when the country was conquered by the Arabs in the 8th century. The castle dates from the early 9th century and remained an important stronghold and vantage point for the Moors until 1093 when it was retaken by Christian forces. Visitors can walk most the castle walls and climb the Keep. The Royal Tower, so named because it was King Ferdinand's favourite location where he liked to paint, is also open. Inside the walls are the well-preserved remains of an Islamic cistern, and the foundations of The Church of São Pedro de Canaferrim, the first parish church of Sintra.