SINTRA, Portugal — The stone walkway leading up to the entrance of the Moorish Castle (Castelo dos Mouros) in Sintra winds its way through the rugged terrain. This medieval path offers visitors a glimpse of the fortress's defensive design while providing panoramic views of the surrounding Sintra Mountains and distant landscapes.
Photograph by David Coleman. The approach to the Castelo dos Mouros in Sintra is a testament to medieval military architecture and the natural beauty of the Serra de Sintra. The stone walkway, likely dating back to the castle's origins in the 8th and 9th centuries, with possible renovations during the 19th-century restoration, winds its way up the steep hillside. This path, composed of rough-hewn stone steps and cobblestones, serves both a practical and defensive purpose, controlling access to the fortress while providing a challenging ascent for potential invaders. As visitors climb, they are treated to increasingly expansive views of the Sintra landscape, including glimpses of other historic structures and, on clear days, the Atlantic Ocean in the distance. The path is often flanked by native vegetation, including cork oaks and pine trees, showcasing the unique microclimate of the Sintra Mountains. The contrast between the weathered stones, some covered in lichen and moss, and the lush greenery creates a picturesque scene that captures the romantic allure that has drawn visitors to Sintra for centuries.
Size: 7360px × 4912px
Location: Castelo dos Mouros, Sintra, Lisbon, Portugal
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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