Sítio arqueológico do Cerro do Castelo de Alferce, Archaeological site at Cerro do Castelo of Alferce in Monchique, Portugal.
The archaeological site at Cerro do Castelo de Alferce is a fortified settlement standing at 487 meters elevation with three walled enclosures and defensive towers built into the castle structure. The outer bailey spreads across about nine hectares and includes a cistern for water storage.
The Islamic fortification dates from the 9th century, making it one of Portugal's earliest Muslim castles. Archaeological finds also show occupation from the Bronze Age, indicating a long history of human presence at this location.
The name Alferce comes from the Arabic word "al-faris," meaning knight, showing the Islamic influence that shaped the region during medieval times. You can see this cultural layer reflected in how the settlement was organized and defended.
You can visit the site without paying any entrance fee and contact the site management if you need information. The hilltop location offers good views but wear comfortable shoes since exploring the three enclosures involves walking over uneven terrain.
The settlement shows features from two very different periods - one of the earliest Islamic fortifications on the Iberian Peninsula and evidence of Bronze Age inhabitants from thousands of years before. This overlap of occupations across millennia makes it a rare window into how this hilltop location remained strategically important over millennia.
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