What to expect
Silves Castle is the great red landmark above the town, with walls faced in the local sandstone and a long history linked to Islamic Silves. The surviving enclosure includes towers and cisterns, giving children tangible clues about how a fortified town defended itself and stored water. The hilltop setting also helps explain its position: look back over the settlement and imagine the importance of seeing an approach from a distance.
This is a historic monument rather than a castle-themed play park. Give the family a few things to look for, such as the shape of a tower, the thickness of a wall or the way water was kept inside the defences. The approach is uphill and much of the visit is outside, so choose a comfortable part of the day and shoes suitable for stone surfaces. Keep younger children close around steps and wall walks. The castle has ordinary public admission, while special events may use different arrangements. Allow time for the town below rather than making the visit only a photograph at the entrance.
- Also known as
- Silves Castle · Silves Moorish castle
Planning your visit
- An outdoor hilltop castle with towers and cisterns.
- The town approach involves an uphill walk; stone surfaces require practical footwear.
- Ordinary castle admission and special-event tickets may differ.