Alcantarilha castle wall ruins — Attraction in Silves

The Alcantarilha Castle wall ruins, located in the village of Alcantarilha in Portugal’s Algarve region, are modest but historically interesting remains of what was once a Moorish stronghold. Here's a brief review:

Review: Alcantarilha Castle Wall Ruins

Historical Significance: The ruins date back to the Islamic period (8th–13th century), when the region was under Moorish control. Though little of the original structure remains, the site serves as a tangible link to the Algarve’s layered past — from Roman occupation to the Reconquista.

What to See: Only a small stretch of defensive wall remains today, partly integrated into surrounding residential buildings. There is no keep, towers, or substantial remnants like those found at more intact Portuguese castles (e.g., Silves or Castro Marim). However, the ruins hint at the strategic significance the village once held.

Ambiance: The location is peaceful and embedded in the old village, giving visitors a feel of authentic, lived-in history. There’s a certain charm to how the ruins have become part of the modern townscape — almost easy to miss unless you’re looking.

Accessibility & Amenities:

The ruins are free to visit and accessible by foot from the village center.

There is no on-site signage or interpretation, so doing some historical reading beforehand or bringing a guide is helpful.

Alcantarilha also features the Chapel of Bones (Capela dos Ossos), a macabre but fascinating attraction located very close to the ruins.

Best for:

Travelers interested in Moorish heritage,

Photographers looking for textured old stonework nestled in a quiet village,

History buffs who...

In this area all that remains are sections of the wall, nothing else - see photos. The municipality is doing some restoration works to parts of the ruins, however there is very little that remains from the original walls (there are other wall areas, further towards the river). Its not really an attraction as it is something you will see in under a minute. The town of Alcantarilha, particularly the old part towards the river is interesting, nice to wonder about in the streets. But again not a lot to see by...

O pequeno troço de muralhas ainda existente é visível do pátio do mercado local e na pequena travessa do Castelo.

Mede cerca de meia dezena de metros de altura, ao qual estão adoçadas construções modernas. A primeira fortaleza consistiu, provavelmente, num castro lusitano do período neolítico para o calcolítico, por onde terão passado os Fenícios, os Gregos e os Cartagineses. A fortaleza foi conquistada pelos romanos por volta de 198 AC. e foi transformada numa base militar de ocupação, servida pelo porto de Armação de Pêra. Posteriormente, foi ocupada pelos mouros até à conquista portuguesa por D. Paio Peres Correia III mandou reedificar o castelo mouro, o qual foi mais tarde restaurado durante as guerras da...