Silves Castle
Silves Castle (Castelo de Silves) in the historic and picturesque city of Silves may date from around the 8th century.
History
First mention of a Moorish castle on the site was made by the historian and geographer al-Razi in the 10th century.
Silves Castle, one of the best preserved castles in Portugal, stands on the summit of the hill rising up from the Arade River. Views of the castle's battlements dominate the skyline of the town and surrounding countryside. They are particularly pretty when the castle walls are illuminated at night.
It is possible the castle we see today was built over an existing Roman or even Visigoth fortress.
Silves Castle was classified as a National Monument in 1910 and is one of the finest examples of an Islamic period castle in Portugal.
Moors vs Christians
Silves Castle, since its construction and expansion by the Moors, was soon the subject of attack by Christian forces in Iberia. The castle was first taken by King Sancho I of Portugal, supported by a force of English Crusaders, in a bloody siege in 1189.
The castle was subsequently re-captured by the Moors in 1191 and reinforced during the 12th and 13th centuries to produce the structure that can be largely seen today. It was during this time that the large cistern to store drinking water and various grain silos were constructed.
It was only during the reign of Afonso III of Portugal (1210-1279) that the castle finally fell to the Christians.
Walls & Gates
The sandstone and taipa (a mud, stone and lime mix) walls enclose an area of 12,000m² flanked by towers in the walls and two detached towers. The main entrance is a double gateway and atrium guarded by two of the towers. On the northern side is another gateway known as the "Gate of Betrayal."
Silves Castle would have been the residence of its Islamic governors, their soldiers and administrators. Archaeological evidence points to the existence of palatial homes that would have been rendered with lime and mortar and then whitewashed with various decorations in stucco. Al-Mutamid is thought to have been in residence at the castle.
There are two cisterns for supplying water within Silves Castle: the Cisterna dos Câes (Cistern of Dogs) reaches to depths of between 15m-40m.
The Cisterna Grande (alijibe in Arabic) dates from the Almohad period and was probably constructed after the first sacking of the castle by the Christians. It is 20m deep, 16m wide and 7m high and can be accessed by a stairwell. The cistern is covered by vaults seated on 12 columns. This remarkable feat of engineering could supply water for 1,200 people and was still in active use until the 1990's. It is thought to be haunted by the spirit of the "Enchanted Moorish Maiden".
The Torre de Managem (keep) was rebuilt during restoration work in the 1940's with stairs constructed to allow access to the walls, which have great views of the surrounding countryside.
Silves Castle is a main venue for various events during the 10-day long Silves Medieval Fair in August.
Access
Silves Castle
Rua do Castelo, Silves 8300-144
Tel: 282 440 837/800
Hours: 1 June-31 August 9 am-11 pm; 1 September - 15 October 9 am-8 pm; 16 October-31 May 9 am-5.30 pm (*Times may vary so please check with the Tourist Information Office)
Admission: 2.80 Euros or 3.90 Euros with a combined ticket with the Archaeological Museum.
Nearby
Silves Castle is also within easy walking distance of Silves Cathedral, Igreja da Misericórdia, the Tourist Information Centre in Largo do Município and the Museu Municipal de Arqueologia de Silves.
