Castelo de Sesimbra
Medieval castle above the sea, a National Monument, with two permanent exhibitions, an interpretation centre for the heritage and free admission.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Castelo de Sesimbra dates back to the 9th century, during the Muslim occupation. It was conquered by D. Afonso Henriques in 1165, lost to the Almohads in 1191 and recaptured in 1199 by D. Sancho I, who granted the town, then located inside the castle, its first charter (foral). Throughout the Middle Ages it was enlarged several times.
From the 15th century, with the development of fishing and shipbuilding, the population settled by the bay. By 1516 the castle already showed signs of abandonment, which intensified in the following centuries; the ruin was only halted between 1933 and 1945, through works by the Direção-Geral dos Edifícios e Monumentos Nacionais (Directorate-General for Buildings and National Monuments). It was classified as a National Monument in 1910 and is considered the last Portuguese castle on the sea to retain its medieval layout.
Inside the walls there are two permanent exhibitions on the history of the site, an interpretation centre with information on the main cultural and natural points of interest of the municipality, the Church of Nossa Senhora da Consolação, the medieval ruins of the Casa da Vereação (council house) and of the former Hospital do Corpo Santo, and a self-guided museum circuit. From the wall walk there are wide views over the town and the sea.
Highlights
- Last Portuguese castle on the sea to retain its medieval layout
- Two permanent exhibitions on the history of the castle
- Interpretation centre on the municipality's heritage
- Church of Nossa Senhora da Consolação
- Views over the town of Sesimbra and the sea
Permanent exhibition
- Exposições permanentes do castelo – Two permanent exhibitions on the history of Sesimbra Castle and an interpretation centre on the municipality's heritage, with a self-guided museum circuit.
- Operated by
- Município de Sesimbra
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Free admission.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 1.5 hrs |
|---|
Getting there & parking
By car
Free parking
Free parking for cars and coaches inside the walls.
A walking route of about 600 metres links the Valparaíso area, in the upper part of the town, to the Porta do Sol, one of the entrances to the castle. By car, the distance from the town is about 2.5 km.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Wi-Fi
Café with terrace serving local products; Wi-Fi available inside the walls.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Audio guide | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | About an hour and a half is enough to visit the whole monument. An audio guide introducing the castle is available (MP3 file and QR code). Guided visits to the castle take place on fixed days, by prior booking by e-mail (museu@cm-sesimbra.pt). |
