Castelo de Sesimbra

Castelo de Sesimbra 



Besides the golden beaches and the deep blue sea, Sesimbra has many other things to offer. Immediately noticeable when you enter Sesimbra, is the huge Castelo de Sesimbra, which occupies almost all of the hill around the small town. The castle is classified as a National Monument. It is one of the last remaining castles near the sea in Sesimbra. Until today, this castle has been kept quite well. The castle dates from the 12th century and was originally from the Moors. When the Moorish castle was captured in 1165 by the first king of Portugal, D. Alfonso Henriques, the castle came in hands of the Portuguese. However, this didn't last long because the Moors took revenge much later and conquered the castle back at their turn.


It was only in the 13th century that it returned to the Portuguese by a revival of the new king of Portugal, D. Sancho I. This king donated the castle to the Order of Santiago so that they would repopulate and defend them. That way, the Moors did not have the chance to get the castle back under their rule. Later, in the 18th century, the castle was restored for the first time and is now a viewing point where you have a breathtaking view of Sesimbra and the sea. Definitely worth a visit! Those who like to see the castle inside can also do this for free.
Locatie: Sesimbra, Portugal

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