DK Travel : The Algarve : Architecture

Alcoutim

Enjoying a lovely setting, Alcoutim commands glorious views across the River Guadiana and the Spanish town of Sanlúcar. Built in the 14th century, it was here that the short-lived peace treaty between Fernando I and Henrique of Castile was signed on 31 March, 1371.
Aljezur

Dominating the landscape around Aljezur are the ruins of the town’s 10th-century castle. Perched on a hillock with fabulous views of the coast and Serra de Monchique, this Moorish stronghold controlled an ancient river port and provided a vital link with the open sea. Its broad, overgrown courtyard hides remnants of a vaulted cistern and is surrounded by high ramparts reinforced by two towers, one round, the other square.
Castro Marim

The enormous frontier castle overlooks the border between Spain and Portugal. Built in the 13th century, the castle was the first headquarters of the Order of Christ. Henry the Navigator was a frequent visitor.
Fortaleza Cacelha Velha

This pocket-sized fortress sits in the quaint hamlet of Cacelha Velha, 8 km (5 miles) west of Monte Gordo, in the eastern Algarve. Polygonal in shape, the building dates from the 18th century and overlooks a gentle lagoon teeming with waterfowl. Its squat turrets are topped with whitewashed cones.
Fortaleza de Sagres

The fortress is steeped in history and myth. Huge walls and bastions date from 1793: little, if anything, remains of Henry the Navigator’s original fortress. Whether or not there was an academy of navigation founded here remains a matter of debate and legend. An 18th-century sundial fashioned into the wall is aligned with the famous wind compass. See Sagres.
Loulé

The immaculately restored battlements are an integral part of the town’s historical make up. A wonderful little museum has been built into the castle walls which includes a recreation of a traditional Algarve kitchen. The view from the ramparts affords grand views.
Paderne

The atmospheric ruins of Paderne’s long-abandoned Moorish castle are best appreciated on a Sunday morning when there’s little traffic on the nearby motorway. The thick outer walls of mud and sandstone and the remains of a barbican tower are all that exist of the original structure. Inside, the chapel of Nossa Senhora da Assunção lies in mournful pieces.
Salir

The ruins of Salir’s Moorish castle have been put to novel effect by locals who have sunk gardens in between the battlements and the keep. The rest of the structure can be explored by treading a circular path around the middle of the fortifications. A small museum is under construction.
Silves

One of the Algarve’s great landmark features, Silves Castle dates back to Moorish times, but may have been built on Roman fortifications. Its formidable red sandstone battlements and massive polygonal towers enclose a vast compound.
Tavira

Only the walls remain of this old Moorish fortification which surround a charming, well maintained garden. There are lovely views.