The Moorish Kingdom of the Algarve once flourished in today's Portuguese territory. The capital of this powerful kingdom was one of the oldest cities, Silves. Even historians find it difficult to say how old it is. In the middle of the 13th century, the troops of King Afonso III expelled the Moors from the fertile southern lands of Portugal, the Arab mosque became the Catholic Cathedral. However, all the Moors' traces in Silves can still be seen in the archives of the Archaeological Museum. There are such rare exhibits as an 11th century well.

The main caliphate legacy in Silves could not be destroyed even by time. High, strong walls of deep red stone still tower over the historic center and keep the locals calm. Contrasting with whitewashed houses and bright green vegetation, Silves Castle is striking in its beauty and grandeur. It projects a very impressive image during the grandiose summer festival dedicated to the Middle Ages. At this time, a festive procession with dancers, singers, acrobats, and jugglers dressed in medieval costumes moves through the streets, and a fair and theatrical performances are held in the old castle.

Today, the Castle of Silves is not only the largest defense in the Algarve but also the most beautiful monument of Arab military architecture in Portugal. Massive observation towers and strong walls were built on one of the peaks of the local mountains named Serra de Monchique as early as the 3rd century BC. Although the first stones were laid by the ancient Romans, it was the Moors who turned the simple citadel into an impregnable fortress.

Silves Castle is open to the public. Its observation towers and walls offer a delightful view of the entire city and the blossoming orange groves that stretch along the banks of the picturesque Arade River. By the way, the orange trees, the modern symbol of Portugal, were planted here by the Arabs.