Silves Castle is a Moorish fortress on the hill above Silves, in the Algarve. Its walls and towers are built from red sandstone, and the walkway along the ramparts gives wide views over the town, the Arade River and the orange groves beyond. It is the largest castle in the Algarve and one of the best preserved Moorish castles in Portugal, so it suits a relaxed visit of an hour or two. Inside, you can walk the walls, see the cisterns and the small exhibitions in some of the towers, and stop at the café in the grounds.
Moorish origins
The castle grew out of the ramparts built around the town during the Moorish occupation. Its site probably held older fortifications from the late Roman or Visigothic period, dating to the 4th or 5th century. The structure seen today was built between the 8th and 13th centuries.
Silves was the capital of the Arab kingdom of the Algarve, and the castle stands on a hill above it. From the high ground, the defenders could watch the surrounding land and the Arade River.
Towers, walls and the walkway
The castle has eleven towers. Two of them are barbicans, joined to the ramparts by a supporting arch that carries the walkway. The walls enclose an area of about 12,000 square metres.
From the walkway, you look across the orange groves that cover the fields around the River Arade. The red sandstone walls can be seen from far off, and the walk along them takes about 45 minutes.
Inside the grounds
Inside the walls, the ruins of older buildings are the main thing to see. The grounds hold two cisterns, and one of them was originally a Roman well. Remains of an Arab citadel and of later houses also survive.
The castle sits on the site of an 11th century palace called the Palace of the Verandahs. A few turrets hold small exhibitions and artefacts. An underground display explains the return of the lynx to the local area, and the signs are in English. Storks nest on the old ruins nearby in warm months.
Medieval fair and nearby monuments
Every August since 2001, the castle has hosted the Feira Medieval, a medieval fair with themed performances, artisan crafts and traditional food.
Next to the castle stands the cathedral of Silves. It is Gothic in style, although successive restorations and rebuilds changed it over time. Its ogival entrance and its baroque façade and interior are of particular interest. Opposite is the Church of Mercy, which has a Manueline portal.
Dress modestly when you visit the cathedral and the church.
Tickets, access and the café
Adult entry is 2.80 euros. A combined ticket for the castle and the archaeological museum costs 3.90 euros. Children aged three and under enter free.
The entrance and the grounds are wheelchair accessible, but the walls and viewpoints can be reached only by stairs. The café inside the grounds serves food and drinks. Its homemade orange blossom iced tea is a good choice on a warm day.
FAQ
Is there an entry fee?
Yes. Adult entry is 2.80 euros, and a combined ticket for the castle and the archaeological museum costs 3.90 euros. Children aged three and under enter free.
How long do you need?
Allow about 45 minutes to walk the walls. A full visit with the grounds and exhibitions takes around two hours.
Is the castle wheelchair accessible?
The entrance and the grounds are wheelchair accessible. The walls and viewpoints can be reached only by stairs, so the walkway is not suited to wheelchair users.
Is there a café at the castle?
Yes. The café inside the grounds serves food and drinks, and its homemade orange blossom iced tea is a good choice on a warm day.
When can you see storks?
Storks nest on the old ruins near the castle in warm months.
