A Complete Guide to the Best Things to Do in Silves Castles
Silves was the most prosperous city in the Algarve during the Moorish era (from the eighth to the twelfth century), and it served as the capital of the Algarve before Faro. Standing tall and proud is the enormous Moorish castle, even though the terrible earthquake of 1755 brought down much of the old structures. This super cool monument is like the town’s most amazing treasure and an important historical spot in the Algarve.
Perched on a hill in the Algarve stands the village of Silves and its famous castle, Silves Castle. One of the best-preserved fortifications in the entire Silves Algarve region, this massive red castle was built by the Arabs in the eleventh century. From inside, you may take in breathtaking views of the town below.
We can certainly see why this is Silves’s most visited landmark. Despite its diminutive size, this location is incontestably worth a visit. Although, keep in mind that the castle is hardly worthy of a full day’s excursion due to its size. On the other hand, you can take a stroll, discover more about the town, and perhaps even stop by the cafe for a cup of coffee if you come to visit it.
Now, in detail, let’s see why you should plan a visit and some of the things you can do while checking this wondrous location.
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Castelo de Silves (Silves Castle)
The largest and most well-preserved ancient structure in the Algarve is the red brick castle of Silves. Constructed in the 10th century by the Moors, the Christians later extended it until the 1500s. The structure, which had fallen into ruins by the turn of the twentieth century, had its 10 towers rebuilt in the 1940s. After decades of archeological investigations within its walls, the restoration of the structure and grounds came to completion in 2009.
Guests can go around the walls, take in views of the town and countryside beyond, and even see two cisterns that have been well-preserved. The Romans were already making use of the oldest one when they built the castle. One of the most recent ones, held up by 12 columns, dates back to the 12th century and is currently utilized for temporary exhibitions. The castle once housed the governors, but their mansions have long since vanished, leaving behind only the foundations.
A bronze sculpture of King Sancho I, who initially captured the town and fortress for the Portuguese monarchy in 1189, stands at the entrance. It is open all year round, except Christmas and New Year’s. There is also a stunning garden within the castle. Additionally, there are the excavations, which show how the walls were laid up, and the battlements, which you can walk about and get a great view of the area.
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A Brief History: Moors vs Christians
As soon as Silves Castle, Algarve, was built and expanded by the Moors, Christian groups in Iberia began attacking it. King Sancho I of Portugal and an army of English crusaders laid siege to the castle in 1189, leading to its capture. The castle underwent reinforcements in the 12th and 13th centuries to become the structure it is today after being recaptured by the Moors in 1191.
The construction of the numerous grain silos and the enormous cistern used to store drinking water also occurred around this period. The castle did not fall to the Christians until Afonso III of Portugal reigned from 1210 to 1279.
The Structure
Built on a hilltop with a view of Silves below, the castle is an irregular polygon with four towers and seven crenelated posts connected by walls with battlements.
A main gate set in between two towers and a carved Traitor’s Gate into the northern wall makes up the complex. The tile-covered guardhouse stands next to the main gate. It has a vaulted ceiling.
Its courtyard contains multiple underground buildings that people can access from ground level. With five naves connected by semicircular arches and four orders of columns, the Cistern of Moura has a surface area of 820 square meters (8,800 sq ft) and a height of 10 meters (33 ft). Hidden within the courtyard lies the Cisterna dos Cães, a 60-meter (200-foot-deep) vertical pit that served as a water supply for the castle.
Castle’s Interior
The governor’s mansion features two painted wood halls on the second floor. Inside one of these chambers hangs a picture of the royal arms set in a shell and acanthus leaf frame. The four side panels display military “trophies,” including armor, banners, lances, cannons, muskets, drums, and various other weapons. Medallions depicting figures and flowers surround an allegory of Mars in the opposite hall.
On the southwest side of the military square are the ruins of a house that was probably Prince Henry’s (during his time as alcalde of the Algarve) home. The house had dirt foundations, a stone staircase (with one rung on each floor), a large living room with what seemed like a vaulted ceiling, an olive oil press, and pesto.
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Other Tourist Attractions in Silves
Silves is a great town to spend a day or two. There are also some great excursions in the area. If you want, you can use the recommendations below to tour the town and its magnificent castle.
1. The Mercy Church, Also Known as Igreja Da Misericórdia
King João II bequeathed Silves to his queen Leonor in 1491. The church was subsequently constructed to serve the Santa Casa da Misericórdia, a charitable organization that Leonor established to care for the ill. A less ornate classical portal serves as the primary entry to the building, while a more elaborate Manueline (Portuguese Gothic) portal, erected in the 1520s and facing the cathedral, adorns the opposite side.
It is entirely white on the inside and has no decorations whatsoever. The altarpiece, which occupies a whole wall, is the sole source of color. This item in the rocaille style dates back to the mid-1700s. According to Luke’s gospel, the primary painting, painted in 1727, depicts the Visitation, which tells the tale of Mary, who was carrying Christ, visiting St. Elizabeth, who was pregnant with John the Baptist. Surrounding it are seven additional paintings that depict the seven Corporal Works of Mercy. They date back to 1630 or before.
2. Archaeological Museum
The Museu Municipal de Arqueologia de Silves is a historical museum located near the Silves Cathedral and Castle. The collection includes objects that date to the ancient Roman, Phoenician, and Moorish eras. A beautifully restored 15-meter-deep Arabian well with a stairway serves as the museum’s focal point.
The museum covers an extensive amount of ground, although most of the exhibits are in Portuguese. Nonetheless, you should make time to visit this place. A combo ticket that includes admission to both the castle and the grounds is an option.
3. Barragem do Arade
One of the Algarve’s primary water reservoirs is the Barragem do Arade. About 46 meters above sea level is where the water level is. Another source of energy generation is the dam located inside the reservoir. At your disposal is a breathtaking panorama of the countryside and the open sea, where lunch and a stroll would be perfect in this setting. It is completely serene.
You should check out this alternative side of the Algarve, which is not far from Silves, but only a short drive away. Please note that you can only access the reservoir by using the left fork on the road. Opting for the alternate route is not advised.
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4. The Slide and Splash Waterpark
Slide and Splash serves as one of the Algarve’s largest and nicest water parks, with a variety of slides, flumes, chutes, swimming pools, and water games suitable for everyone. The park, which opened in 1986, has expanded to fill its large grounds with thrilling attractions and new rides.
The most popular attractions here are the numerous large water slides, with names like Corkscrew, Banzai, Black Hole, Plunge, Tornado, Kamikaze, and the recently opened Big Wave, indicating what you can expect. The majority of these entail speeding down chutes of varying steepness and twistiness before diving into a pool.
Older children (and parents!) will enjoy the more adrenaline-fueled rides, although there are also plenty of activities and attractions for younger children. The Kids Zone features tiny pools with little slides and sprinklers in a variety of enticing and colorful shapes.
If you’re looking to take some time off from the constant sliding and splashing, there are plenty of acres of fields and beautiful gardens where you can rest on a lounge chair without worrying about anything. Alternatively, if you’re not having fun on the water, the park hosts a variety of animal performances. These usually take place in the afternoon during the daylight hours, where there are three separate shows: falconry, parrots, the reptile show, and macaws.
5. Old Bridge
It is commonly referred to as the “Roman Bridge,” but this is incorrect because its construction dates back to the fourteenth century. Even so, historians believe this was the exact spot of an ancient Roman bridge. Until the 1960s, it served as the town’s main entrance, but it is now only accessible by foot.
It is 76 meters in length and 5 meters in width, and five Roman-inspired domes sustain it. Cross it to get an unparalleled view of the town itself and the rows of orange and almond plantations in the surrounding countryside.
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6. Medieval Festival
If you’re exploring the Algarve in August, the medieval festival in Silves is an unforgettable experience. The streets surrounding the castle transform into ancient marketplaces. Folks get dressed in ancient clothing, and some of the experiences one can enjoy are traditional foods and beverages. Additionally, there is also medieval entertainment on the street.
The festival continues for nine days, with the entrance fee being approximately €2. The Medieval Festival is very popular, and it occasionally becomes pretty crowded. Nevertheless, it makes for a highly recommended and unforgettable experience.
Conclusion
Silves Castle in Portugal represents longevity, historical events, and charm. It offers magnificent architectural design, incredible scenery, an extensive culture, and wonderful cuisine, and that’s just the beginning. Explore the many attractions Silves offers in the best of Portugal’s most scenic locations. You are guaranteed an incredible time, regardless of whether you appreciate history and the natural world or simply want to relax.
Silves Castle’s timeless charm and captivating attractions attract tourists from all over the world. It invites them to explore, discover, and get swept away by the wonder of this medieval masterpiece. Get ready to get transported to another century in the center of the Algarve when you make your reservation to see Silves Castle today.
While watching the sun go down over the castle walls and painting the scenery in a warm golden light, you may find yourself dragging your feet to depart from the peaceful serenity of Silves. Say your goodbyes to this magical town, but know that the memories you made here will last a lifetime.
