Loulé Castle

Category: Military Architecture > Castle

District: Faro > Loulé > Loulé > São Clemente

History

Loulé Castle was built during the Islamic occupation, probably succeeding a Roman fortress. It was taken by Christian forces at the end of the 13th century during the Reconquista.

Architecture

The castle consists of some towers and sections of the walls that have been preserved over the years. The remains include an albarrana tower, a central tower and a south tower, each with distinct features.

Alcazaba and Medina

The castle had a division between the Alcazaba, where troops and military authorities were located, and the medina, an urban area within the walls with civil and administrative functions.

Municipal Museum

The ground floor of the old alcaidaria of Loulé Castle houses the Municipal Museum of Loulé. The museum has a collection of archaeological pieces found in the municipality, including occasional finds and excavations carried out over time.

Layout of the Walls

The Islamic wall of Loulé Castle, built with rammed earth, surrounded an area of approximately five hectares. Some sections of the walls are still visible in the city streets, and the street layout follows the ancient route of the walls.

Clock Tower

The Clock Tower is a structure that possibly utilized an old military tower and protected the access gate to Rua do Município. Its structure combines ancient and modern elements.

City Gates

The city of Loulé had several access gates, such as Porta Nova, Porta de Faro, and Porta da Vila, which have been modified over time or destroyed. Some ruins of the old gates are still visible.

Regional Importance

The original extent of the walls and the organization of the street layout evidence the importance of Loulé as a regional center during the Islamic period.

Almohad Wall

The wall of Loulé Castle was built in the Almohad style and some segments have survived within the city. Traces and Islamic spoils have been found in the areas near the wall.

Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Conceição

The chapel took advantage of the old wall structure and was possibly built on the site of a tower that protected a city entrance. During renovation work, evidence of Islamic defenses was found.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castelo_de_Loulé

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