Castelo de Loulé — Attraction in Loulé

Castelo de Loulé

Type: castle, museum Time spent: +/- 30 min Price: 1,5-2 € Bike parking: not available WC: available Path for disabled: not available

The Romans first occupied the site, and transformed it into a defensible military fortification and politico-administrative center. In 715, the site was occupied by the Moors. The castle itself can be considered a testament to the importance of the Islamic city. In 1249 it was taken by D. Paio Peres Correia. Several years later (1268) Afonso III had the area populated after reconstructing and expanding the walls. He ordered the reconstruction and expansion of the castle. The dimensions of the new walled enclosure and the large number of gates indicate that Loulé would have continued to have a considerable population.

With the Portuguese Age of Discoveries, the Algarve region experienced a new surge of economic growth, from which Loulé also benefited, exporting wine, olive oil, dried fruits, fish, and salt.

The 1755 earthquake destroyed much of the castle, along with buildings in Loulé.

The castle was damaged during an earthquake in 1969. After conservation and restoration work carried out in the 20th century, the complex within the castle is used as an...

Great Historical National Monument.The three towers remain within the cordon of walls, the remnants of the alcaldaria located within the structure.

Timeline of Castle of Loulé:

The Romans first occupied the site

Occupied in 715 by the Moors.

Conquered in the 11th century by Ferdinand, King of León.

Occupied in 1249 by D. Paio Peres Correia.

In 1268 Afonso III had the area populated after reconstructing and expanding the walls.

A foral was issued in 1266 from Lisbon by Afonso III of Portugal.

In 1422, Henrique de Meneses, 1st Count of Loulé re-built the towers and walls of the castle.

A new foral was issued by Manuel of Portugal in 1501.

The castle was damaged during an...

Loulé Castle is a great little attraction if you're in the area. The castle itself only consists of a courtyard and 3 towers with a wall connecting them, but it is well kept and there are plenty of information boards around detailing the history of the town and the castle from ancient times to more recently.

The views from the top of the tower are not brilliant, though they do let you see more of the town, but it is great to go up and see what it looks like. Inside there are a few artifacts from the excavations done around the area and it is a nice little insight into what was once here.

Overall for €1.62 per person this a great attraction if you are nearby, though I wouldn't...