Castelo de Sesimbra

Castelo de Sesimbra, also known as the Castle of the Moors (Castelo dos Mouros), stands above the town of Sesimbra in the Setúbal District, south of Lisbon. It is one of the oldest fortifications in this part of Portugal and has been classified as a National Monument since 16 June 1910.

Where does the fortress in Sesimbra come from?

The site dates back to the 9th century, the period of Muslim rule on the Iberian Peninsula. A Moorish stronghold was built on the hill overlooking the bay and the surrounding land, so a garrison on the walls could watch both the sea and the roads leading inland. Later rebuilding was layered over that original outline, which is why the walls today record several eras.

How did the castle change hands?

Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, captured the fortress in 1165 with the help of crusaders. Portuguese control did not last. In 1191 the Almohads, a Berber dynasty from Morocco, took the castle and almost completely destroyed it. It was finally retaken in 1199 under Sancho I, again with crusader support.

What was changed in the Middle Ages and later?

In 1323 the walls were reinforced a second time and the West Tower was added. It served as a lookout for spotting Barbary pirates who threatened the coast. Inside the walls stands the church of Santa Maria do Castelo, restored in 1721. The castle was damaged by the 1755 Lisbon earthquake and underwent extensive restoration in the 20th century, which gave it its present appearance.

What is there to see?

The main draw is a walk along the top of the walls. From here you look out over the rooftops of Sesimbra, the fishing harbour, the beach and the Atlantic Ocean. In clear weather you can also pick out the hills of the Arrábida range, a green backdrop above the coast. The wide courtyard inside the fortifications gives a sense of the scale of the old stronghold, and the church and remaining structures show that daily life went on here, not only military duty.

How to plan a visit

The castle sits on a rise, so the approach from the town centre is uphill. Bring comfortable shoes, as the ground is uneven and some steps and wall sections are steep. The best light for photos is in the morning and shortly before sunset, when the walls turn warm and the sea below changes colour. Check opening hours and any restrictions on the Sesimbra municipality website before you go. The visit combines easily with a stroll through the old town, time on the beach, or a lunch of local fish by the harbour.

Frequently asked questions

Why is it called the Castle of the Moors? Its roots go back to the Muslim period, when the first Moorish stronghold was built on the hill. The name stuck despite later rebuilding.

When did the Portuguese capture the castle? First in 1165 under Afonso Henriques, and, after it was lost to the Almohads, for good in 1199 under Sancho I.

Is the castle a protected monument? Yes, it has been a National Monument since 16 June 1910.

Why was the West Tower built? In 1323 it was added as a lookout to spot Barbary pirates.

Did the earthquake damage the castle? Yes, the 1755 Lisbon earthquake caused damage, and the castle was extensively restored in the 20th century.