Category: Military Architecture > Castle
District: Faro > Alcoutim > Alcoutim
The Old Castle of Alcoutim, also known as Castro de Santa Bárbara, is an important structure of Islamic military architecture located in the city of Alcoutim, Portugal.
It is situated on a steep hill overlooking the Guadiana River, approximately one kilometer north of the town of Alcoutim.
The reason for the Muslims' choice of location for constructing the Old Castle remains a mystery to scholars. However, the strategic defense of the Guadiana River and mining activity in the region were determining factors. Archaeological research at the site documents its construction beginning in the period of the Emirate of Córdoba, with subsequent expansions during the Caliphates and the first Taifas. Abandoned in the 11th century, the castle gradually lost its military function.
The Old Castle consists of two rectangular fortified enclosures, built with irregular schist stones and earth mortar, typical of Umayyad architecture. The inner enclosure, known as the alcáçova (citadel), covers an area of approximately 704 m² and features several square and rectangular towers. The wall, about 2 meters thick, has openings for rainwater drainage. Inside, there is a cistern and various buildings, including dwellings, courtyards, kitchens, and rooms. The north wall features a narrow gate and a reinforced tower overlooking the Guadiana River. The outer enclosure, which surrounds the settlement on the slope, is also rectangular and has attached towers. There is a bent-entrance gate in the enclosure wall, which connected to the residential area outside the walls, extending down to the bank of the Guadiana River.
The Old Castle of Alcoutim has been classified as a Monument of Public Interest since 1997. It is currently the subject of archaeological research led by Professor Helena Maria Gomes Catarino, as part of a project funded by the IPA (Portuguese Institute of Archaeology) with logistical support from the Alcoutim Municipal Council. The project's objective is to study the castle and its associated mining territory, focusing on the cultural aspects of the Islamization process and its connection to regional economic activities, particularly mining.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castelo_Velho_de_Alcoutim
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 37.480773,-7.472282
Coordinates DMS: 37°28'50.8"N 07°28'20.2"W
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