Castelo de Alcoutim

Castelo de Alcoutim, also known as Castelo Velho, is a 14th-century fortress located approximately one kilometer north of the town of Alcoutim. Situated on a hill overlooking the River Guadiana, the castle offers spectacular views of the border landscape. The site is built on the Mértola-Pomarão geological formation and features three lines of defensive walls, with two enclosures identified through excavation. The upper fort serves as the main stronghold, defended by solid rectangular and quadrangular towers.

Visitors enter through the south-eastern angle, facing the Guadiana, via a ramp corridor that leads to a central atrium historically used as an armoury. The interior includes three patios, a cistern, streets, and remnants of houses with kitchens and fireplaces. Archaeological excavations led by Professor Helena Catarino indicate main periods of occupation between the 8th/9th and 12th/13th centuries, with potential earlier phases from late antiquity or the Visigoth era. A small archaeological museum within the site displays findings from these periods.

The castle is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. While specific admission fees are not detailed in the provided research, the site is a key historical attraction in Alcoutim. The location provides a tangible connection to the region’s Islamic and medieval military history. Visitors can explore the ruins and learn about the strategic importance of the site during the Reconquista. The combination of architectural remnants and panoramic views makes Castelo de Alcoutim a significant stop for those interested in the historical and geographical context of the Algarve’s eastern border.