Paderne Castle, Medieval fortress in Albufeira, Portugal
Paderne Castle rises on a hilltop overlooking the Quarteira River, built with taipa walls made from a mixture of mud and sandstone. The site contains the remains of a 16th-century church tucked within its defensive structures, adding layers to the ruins visible today.
The fortress was built in the 12th century by Berber forces and came under Portuguese control in 1248 following a military campaign led by knight Don Paio Peres Correia. This shift marked the beginning of Portuguese dominance over the southern Algarve region during the medieval period.
The fortress holds symbolic meaning in Portuguese heritage as one of the seven castles linked to the nation's medieval identity. Walking through the ruins, you sense how this place marks a border between different periods and peoples that shaped the region.
The castle site is accessible via the road connecting Loulé and Albufeira, with parking available near the entrance path. The elevated hilltop location means comfortable walking shoes are helpful, as you'll be navigating uneven ground while exploring the ruins.
The 1755 Lisbon earthquake caused significant damage to the church standing within the castle walls, accelerating the site's decline. This natural disaster reshaped the structure and explains why only ruins remain visible today.
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