Castle of Albufeira

Castle of Albufeira is a castle ruin with a quadrangular layout, defensive towers at each corner, and three main gates leading into the former Muslim citadel. The remaining stone walls and foundations lie in the historic center of the city, near Rua Joaquim Pedro Samora.

The Moors built the fortress in the 8th century and named it al-Buhera until Portuguese forces under King Afonso III captured it in 1250. The structure underwent major changes in design and function after this takeover.

The Clock Tower began as a Moorish defensive structure at the Square Gate and is now integrated into the Santa Casa da Misericordia building. This tower shows how medieval fortifications became woven into the city's everyday architecture after the Portuguese conquest.

The site is centrally located in Albufeira and easy to reach on foot, especially when exploring the old town. It is best to visit during daylight hours to see the structures clearly and move around safely.

The 1755 earthquake and subsequent tsunami caused severe damage to the walls, leading to multiple reconstruction attempts throughout later centuries. This natural disaster shaped the current appearance of the structure more than any other single event in its past.

Location: Albufeira

GPS coordinates: 37.09212,-8.25228

Latest update: December 9, 2025 12:27