Visit the Château des Maures in Sintra: tickets, prices, schedules

Located near Lisbon, the city of Sintra contains many treasures... Here’s all you need to know to visit the Maures Castle in Sintra!

The silhouette of the Château des Maures is cut on the heights of the sierra of Sintra. This is one of the most popular attractions of the beautiful, but also very touristic, city of Sintra. Far from the exuberance of the palaces of the region, its old stones are still in charge of history.

Would you like to prepare your visit for nothing? History, schedules, rates, tips... Here’s all you need to know about the castle of the Moors of Sintra!

History of the Château des Maures

The first fortifications of the castle appear around the 8th century. This is the time of the Muslim conquest of the Iberian Peninsula. The Moors then took advantage of the heights of the Sintra Mountains to observe the city and its surroundings. From there, the destiny of the castle of the Maures will be closely linked to the history of Portugal. During the 11th and 12th centuries, he passed successively into many hands. In 1093 he was delivered to King Alphonse VI of Castile, to return to the Muslims three years later, and finally to be reconquered by the Catholics in 1147. It is then gradually abandoned, a victim of many natural disasters.

But it must be believed that the Château des Maures was not intended to disappear! It is renovated on the impulse of the King Ferdinand II . We are then in the 19th century, at the height of the romantic current. The interest in medieval times and Eastern cultures puts the castle on the front of the scene. The latter then becomes a must in the Pena domain. It already attracts tourists, who come to admire its stones and gardens. Today, the time is quite different, but the castle is always open to visits.

Our tips to visit the Château des Maures

The best time to visit the Château des Maures

Of course, the visit will be more pleasant in the low season. Sintra is a very touristic city and the castle is one of the main attractions. Especially since the visit of the castle is rather sporty... To avoid, therefore, if it is too hot. But also during the days too windy, because the tower of the ramparts is already impressive in calm weather.

However, the Château des Maures remains less touristic than the Palace of Pena. If you want to visit the two monuments in the same day, it is better to start with Pena. When you get there early in the morning, you will avoid the crowd.

The duration of the visit

Plan between one hour and two hours for the complete site visit.

Accessibility

To visit the Château des Maures, you must prepare to climb! The trail between the window and the castle and the tower of the ramparts is rather sporty. It is therefore rather uncommon to persons with disabilities or loss of autonomy to embark on it. And if you have vertigo, evaluate the heights before you enter the round path.

Surroundings

Do you want to enjoy the natural heritage surrounding the castle? Canopy Sintra is an easy-to-miss hip course if you like outdoor activities!

In addition, here are the other must-see sites in the city:

• Sintra National Palace ;
• Pena Palace ;
• La Quinta da Regaleira ;
• Monserrate Palace.

What to do during your visit to the Château des Maures?

Photo credit: Shutterstock / Arako Space

Tickets/activities related to:

Sintra

Maures

The Historical Interpretation Centre of the Castle

On the path between the window and the castle is a small archaeological exhibition. It was built in the church of Sao Pedro de Canaferrim. An opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of Sintra Castle! It presents pieces found during excavations, dating from neolithic in the Middle Ages. You will also find a model of the castle and a representation of the necropolis. We advise you not to miss this exhibition because the continuation of the visit does not contain any historical indication.

The ramparts

Once on the central square of the Armies, you can climb on the walls by the east or by the southwest. Follow the round path that leads you to the Royal Tower. Why royal? For the latter was a privileged place by King Ferdinand II, who came to paint. One can easily understand how the latter found inspiration in the face of this spectacular panorama!

The panoramic view

The ramparts offer a breathtaking view of the Sintra region! Beyond these green plains, dotted with romantic residences, you can see the blue line of the Atlantic Ocean. Visiting the Château des Maures is also an opportunity to admire other landmarks from an atypical angle. Thus, you will enjoy a privileged view of the flamboyant colours of the Pena Palace, but also on the Sintra National Palace.

The interior of the ramparts

There is nothing left inside the ramparts: the Tribute Tower, a tank and the Romanesque chapel of Saint Peter. However, new developments were made in 2013. You will also find wooden structures evoking medieval assault towers. Stop at the Trahison Gate, a secret passage that allowed to flee the castle in the event of an attack... Or to bring in the enemies, from which his name is. A precious vestige maure.

How much does a ticket cost to the Château des Maures?

Here are the ticket prices to visit the Château des Maures in 2020:

• Adult (18 – 64 years old) : 8 €;
• Young (6 – 17 years old) : 6,50 €;
• Children (5 years and under) : free ;
• Senior (65+) : 6,50 €;
• Family (2 adults + 2 youth) : 26 €.

How to book an online ticket for the Château des Maures?

You can book your tickets for the Château des Maures on the official website of the city www.parquesdesintra.pt (click on the " Ticket Office" tab in yellow to the right of the menu).

This allows you to receive a 5% discount on the ticket price.

Are there guided tours of the Château des Maures?

The municipality of Sintra offers guided tours of the park and its monuments. Go to the ticket office to book. The price is 5 € per person. For more information, you can contact them by email ([email protected]) or by phone (+351 21 923 73 00).

Otherwise, many private agencies offer a guided tour of the Château des Maures. You can easily find the different offers on the internet.

Are there visits combined with other monuments in Sintra?

You can request tickets combined with the physical windows of monuments or opt for a trip from Lisbon.

They are valid for 30 days and benefit from the following discounts:

• 2 sites : 5% discount on the total price of tickets;
• 3 sites 6% reduction;
• 4 sites : 7% reduction;
• 5 sites 8 per cent reduction;
• 6 sites 10% reduction.

Opening hours

The castle of the Moors of Sintra is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. .

Note that you can no longer buy a ticket or enter the site after 5:00 pm.

How to get to the Château des Maures?

By bus The best way to visit the Maures Castle in Sintra is to take bus 434. The latter allows you to access all the tourist places of Sintra. You can take it from the historic centre or from the railway station.

A foot Do you have any energy? A marked path (yellow and red) leads you from the historic centre of Sintra to the castle. An hour's drive. Take care, it's climbing!

From Lisbon How to get from Lisbon to Sintra? From Rossio or Oriente stations, you can take the train to Sintra. The journey takes 50 minutes and costs an average of 4 €. As mentioned above, there are tickets including the transport plus the entrance ticket to the Palace of Sintra (the Château des Maures is extra charge).

You can also take one car rental . In low season, it will cost you approximately 15 € per day, and 35 € per day in full season.

Where to park near the Château des Maures?

There are no car parks near Sintra Castle. However, you can park your car in the centre of Sintra near the railway station, Car park Portela (P1) .

If you still want to take the car, there are some parking spaces the along the road which leads to the castle. You can also get to the parking lot Estacionamento Calçada da Pena. However, it is very fast. Consider whether you want to visit the Château des Maures in the morning or at the end of the day.

Where to stay near the Château des Maures?

Loger to Sintra is an ideal solution to visit the Maures castle. You'll find nice hotels and Airbnb in the historic centre. By taking bus 434, you can reach the castle easily. However, it will be necessary to book in advance, because the city is both small and very touristic.

If you only take the day to visit Sintra, you can quite accommodation in Lisbon . That you preferred the authentic neighborhood Alfama , the festive Bairro Alto or the chic Chiado... You will find your happiness in the Portuguese capital.