Moura Castle dates back to the 13th century, during the Christian reign achieved in 1232 under King D. Dinis.
It was the medieval period, and the town suffered numerous invasions that eventually led to the destruction of the castle’s Muslim walls. It was during the Order of Avis that one-third of the revenues from the churches of Moura and Serpa were donated for the castle’s reconstruction. A line of watchtowers was built, covering the border, of which only the Atalia da Cabeça Magra remains. In the reign of King D. Fernando, in the 14th century, work began on the second walled enclosure, expanding the castle’s grounds. Between 1805 and 1826, the old rammed-earth walls of the castle were used as raw material for the production of saltpeter. The western section of the Alcáçova’s wall was demolished to make way for the Lagar de Vista Alegre, a project ordered by José Pimenta Calça.
The castle stands 184 meters above sea level and features an alcáçova structure, measuring 200 x 100 meters. The rectangular plan is in the Manueline style, with the tombs of Pedro and Álvaro Rodrigues, the conquerors of Moura from the Moors in 1166, prominently displayed. These figures are also central to the Legend of the Village of Moura.
In the late 1950s, public intervention began, lasting approximately 20 years. Archaeological surveys started in 1981, followed by restoration work between 1982 and 1986. In 2002, further interventions took place, focusing on landscape enhancement.
The Keep Tower is in the Gothic style, with a solid lower section. It has an octagonal room with a ribbed vault, supported by eight slender columns. In the 19th century, one of the towers was adapted into the Clock Tower.
Castle Opening Hours: Every day | 09:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Clock Tower Opening Hours: Every day | 09:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM