Castle of Moura, Medieval castle in Moura, Portugal
Castelo de Moura is a castle set on an oval-shaped hilltop measuring about 200 by 120 meters and preserves original towers and wall segments around its perimeter. The fortified structure sits adjacent to a former Dominican convent.
Muslim builders constructed the fortification in the 11th century, and King Afonso Henriques granted it a royal charter in 1171. Later, King Dinis carried out major renovations.
The castle shows features from different periods, from Roman foundations to Moorish walls and Gothic elements, reflecting the changing history of the region. Visitors can see these layers while exploring the structure itself.
The site is accessible daily and offers open pathways for exploring the fortifications and adjacent structure. Wear sturdy footwear since the hilltop has steep sections and uneven ground throughout.
Excavations in 2011 uncovered Roman tombs beneath the castle and confirmed human settlement dating back to the Iron Age. These archaeological finds show that the hilltop served as a living place long before the medieval fortress was built.
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