Albufeira Castle (vestiges)

Category: Military Architecture > Castle

District: Faro > Albufeira > Albufeira > Bairro dos Pescadores

Location

The remains of Albufeira Castle are found in the heart of the city, integrated into the area known as the Fishermen's Quarter. Its elevated position, atop a rocky escarpment, was strategically important and today corresponds to the historic center of the town. Although the original castle has been transformed over the centuries, its location continues to offer a perspective on the city's original configuration, once protected by its walls and with a view of the coastal surroundings.

An Origin Rooted in the Sea

The history of Albufeira Castle dates back to the Islamic period of the Iberian Peninsula. Its Arabic name, "al-Buhera", already suggested its strong connection to the sea, possibly meaning both "Castle of the Sea" and alluding to a lagoon that once existed in the lower part, defending the settlement. Built on a rocky escarpment, the castle was the center of a walled settlement, being one of the most effective and resilient defenses in the region. This robustness allowed it to remain under Muslim rule for a considerable period, even after the Christian Reconquista had advanced through much of the Algarve.

The Testimony of History and Time

Over the centuries, Albufeira Castle and its urban enclosure suffered the impact of various historical events. After its conquest by the forces of Afonso III in 1250, the castle was donated to the Order of Avis, and its defenses were possibly reinforced in different periods. However, natural cataclysms, such as the devastating earthquake of 1755 and the subsequent tsunami, left the town of Albufeira in ruins, with few structures remaining standing. Later, during the Portuguese Civil War in 1833, the town and its fortified remnants were again subjected to attacks, resulting in further significant damage. In the 20th century, with urban development and the construction of new infrastructure, many of the old medieval walls were eventually demolished, transforming the once imposing castle into the remains observed today.

The Clock Tower: A Visible Element

Although most of the old structures of Albufeira Castle have disappeared, a notable element that can still be observed is the Clock Tower. This tower, an integral part of the current urban architecture, was originally one of the Muslim towers that protected the castle's old Porta da Praça (Square Gate). In the past, it served as a prison, and in the 19th century, an iron crown supporting the hour bell was added to it. Its presence is a tangible testament to the old fortification and its importance in defending the settlement throughout the centuries, serving as a landmark that connects the present to the city's medieval past.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt