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Moorish Castle Guided Tour

Moorish Castle ruins with steps and flags, Pena Palace in background, Sintra, Portugal.
Moss-covered stone walls of Moorish Castle's second ring in Sintra, Portugal, surrounded by trees.
Moorish Castle necropolis with Christian tombstones in Sintra, Portugal, surrounded by trees.
Moorish Castle Keep tower entrance with stone walls and steps, Sintra, Portugal.

Duration

1 hr

Open today

09:30am - 06:00pm

Guided tour

    • Enjoy a guided tour of the Moorish Castle with an expert, English-speaking guide who offers fascinating insights into its history and architecture.

    • Learn more about its military-centric architecture as you explore its fortress-like construction, rugged walls, and high towers.

    • Take in sweeping views of Sintra, spot the vibrant Pena Palace, and admire the rolling hills from the castle’s vantage points.

    • Tour the Moorish Castle Interpretation Centre (or the Church of São Pedro de Canaferrim), which houses objects from various archaeological excavations.

    • 1-hour guided tour of Moorish Castle with entry

    • Expert English-speaking guide

    • Transfers
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

  • Go on a 1-hour tour of the Moorish Castle with an English-speaking guide offering captivating insights into its history under the Moors, its reconstruction, architecture, and more.

    Getting started

    Meet your guide near the main entrance of Moorish Castle. After a quick ticket check and security procedure, your guide will take you on a guided walk along the ancient walls.

    What to expect

    This UNESCO World Heritage Site, perched high in the Serra De Sintra, dates back to the 8th century and offers a window into Portugal’s medieval past and its 19th-century romantic revival.

    Features

    • Panoramic ramparts: Walk the castle’s exterior walls for sweeping views over Sintra, the Palace of Pena, and the Atlantic Ocean.

    • Archaeological ruins: Explore remnants of ancient towers and fortifications, with expert commentary revealing their strategic importance.

    • Forested trails: Traverse steep, wooded paths surrounding the castle, immersing yourself in the natural landscape that once protected this stronghold.

    • Second Ring of Walls: Discover the second line of walls built along the castle’s perimeter under the reign of Afonso Henriques, after his conquest of the castle from the Moors.

    • Historical insights: Learn about the castle’s origins, its role in regional defense, and its transformation under King Ferdinand II.

  • Moorish Castle

    Monday09:30am - 06:00pmlast entry 05:30pm
    Tuesday09:30am - 06:00pmlast entry 05:30pm
    Wednesday09:30am - 06:00pmlast entry 05:30pm
    Thursday09:30am - 06:00pmlast entry 05:30pm
    Friday09:30am - 06:00pmlast entry 05:30pm
    Saturday09:30am - 06:00pmlast entry 05:30pm
    Sunday09:30am - 06:00pmlast entry 05:30pm
  • What to bring

    • Make sure to wear sturdy walking shoes as you’ll encounter lots of uneven terrain inside the castle.

    • Mobile signal may be weak at the site; it's best to download your ticket via WiFi before your visit.

    • Pet dogs are welcome at the castle. Make sure to read these guidelines before bringing your pet dog along.

    What’s not allowed

    • Flash photography, tripods, and filming equipment are not allowed inside the exhibition spaces.

    Accessibility

    • The experience is not fully wheelchair accessible due to uneven terrain and historic structures.

    • Certain areas of the castle are wheelchair accessible. These include the inner portions of the castle, the Moorish Castle Church, the store, and the cafeteria.

    • There is parking for disabled persons.

    Additional information

    • Private parking is not available. We’d recommend parking at the historic center of Sintra and relying on public transportation to reach the castle.
    • Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

    • Please arrive at the meeting point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.

    • Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.

    Meeting point

    • Meet your guide at Ticket Office of the Moorish Castle.

    • Address: 2710-609 Sintra, Portugal.

    Get directions to the meeting point

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