Silves Castle

Museum, Algarve News

The Castelo de Silves is the best-preserved Moorish fortification in the Algarve, its red sandstone walls dominating the hilltop above the Arade river. Built during the Almohad period (twelfth to thirteenth century), the castle withstood the 1189 crusader siege and was expanded after the Christian reconquest. The interior contains an archaeological museum, cisterns, and garden areas planted with Algarve flora. The walls offer panoramic views across the town's rooftops to the surrounding countryside of orange groves and hills. Entry is ticketed. The annual Silves Medieval Festival uses the castle as its centrepiece each August.