Castelo de Sesimbra

Portugal, Portugal

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Castelo de Sesimbra is a medieval fortress perched on a dramatic hilltop above the town of Sesimbra on Portugal’s Atlantic coast.

Its origins date to the ninth century, when it was built as a Muslim stronghold and later conquered and enlarged by Portuguese kings, serving as a strategic defense against pirates and invaders. Over the centuries, the town’s population shifted down toward the bay, and the castle gradually fell into disrepair before suffering major damage in the 1755 earthquake.

Restoration campaigns in the twentieth century helped preserve its thick stone walls, towers, and the beautiful church of Santa Maria, which is adorned with traditional blue tiles. Today, the castle is a national monument open for visitors, offering panoramic views of the sea and permanent exhibitions that illuminate its rich history and architectural heritage.​