Almada Castle

Almada, Portugal, Portugal

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Almada Castle, perched on a hilltop overlooking Lisbon across the Tagus River in Portugal, originated during the Moorish occupation in the 10th century as a strategic fortress to control river access and defend against invasions.

Conquered by Portugal's first king Afonso Henriques around 1147 during the Reconquista, it was expanded under kings Dinis I and Ferdinand in the 14th century, then modernized in the 16th century by Manuel I with new towers and bastions. 

Further reinforced during the 1640 Restoration Wars with additional defensive lines, it largely fell into disuse after the 1755 earthquake but retains medieval walls, a Gothic cistern, the Church of Nossa Senhora da Assunção, and panoramic views.

Today it's a public historic site and park in Almada's old town, popular for its legends, architecture blending Islamic and Christian influences, and proximity to the iconic Christ the King statue.