Silves Castle

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Silves, Portugal

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Sightseeing
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Castelo de Silves

by Praskipark

Warsaw, Poland

January 22, 2009

Best of IgoUgo The town of Silves is dominated by the Moorish castle. Built of red sandstone, the castle was strategically placed to keep attacks out. It was renovated in 1835 but some of the original stone work remains and even now there are excavations being ...Read more The town of Silves is dominated by the Moorish castle. Built of red sandstone, the castle was strategically placed to keep attacks out. It was renovated in 1835 but some of the original stone work remains and even now there are excavations being carried out, digging for artifacts from the times of the Moors but also from the forts built by the Romans and Phoenicians on the same site. The castle is in a beautiful location overlooking the cathedral and the Church of Mercy, the town and verdant countryside. You are able to walk around the castle walls to take in the panoramic views of the River Arade and the vast expanse of citrus and almond trees which the Moors introduced to the area.

Underneath the castle the Moors constructed an underground reservoir which is still used by the city today. It is called, "Cistern of the Enchanted Moorish Girl." A very charming title, don't you think?

The castle grounds are undergoing renovations at the moment and a new stage area is being built but I have two vivid memories of times when it was open in the Summer months for festivals. One was the famous Beer Festival of Silves where you paid an entrance fee and then could sample beers from throughout Portugal. It was usually a rowdy night consisting of traditional music in the form of Fado, traditional dancing and other popular music. Huge pans of caldo verde, sizzling chicken piri piri, scintillating sardines could be smelt all over the valley. It always amazed me how nobody has been killed or seriously injured as I have seen many a drunken youth traverse the dangerous footpaths around the castle walls. Sadly this event has now been moved to the Fabrica do Inglesa which I will inform you about shortly.

The other memory I have will stay with me forever. It was on a a sultry evening in September when I went to see Madredeus, a famous Fado group form Portugal. The auditorium was set up in a semi-circle and every person was absolutely silent. A message came over the tannoy - please switch off your mobile phones and everyone obeyed immediately. I am sure that wouldn't happen anywhere else. The sky was dark and you could just see the full moon shining into the castle grounds. A litle bit spooky! Then the smoke and dry ice began and on stage entered this delicate lady with waist length hair wailing and singing in such a beautiful way - one could not help but feel emotional. The concert was a sell out and a standing ovation was given for Madredeus. They had won the hearts of the Portuguese audience. Bravo! Bravo! The crowd cheered.

The castle is impressive and worth a trek up the hilly road and steps. You can park outside but it usually is very congested. The best thing to do is park at the bottom of the road and walk up the hill. Outside the castle are numerous cafes and restaurants so you can always have a breather afterwards and rehydrate with a cool glass of vinho verde or Super Bock. The cafe which is directly opposite the gates of the castle has the most beautiful hand painted tiles on the walls. They are prussian blue in colour and the whole wall is covered. Each tile fitting into a jigsaw sort of puzzle telling stories of the descrobamentos.

Castle opens from 9am until 5.30pm. and it costs 1.25 euros (last year's prices)

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From journal Silves Will Leave You Wanting Moor

Silves Castle

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Castelo de Silves