# Castle of Paderne

- **Country:** Portugal
- **Coordinates:** 37.157056, -8.200556
- **Location Text:** (Paderne, Albufeira)

The Castle of Paderne is an ancient fortification situated in the civil parish of Paderne, within the municipality of Albufeira in the Algarve region of Portugal. Located approximately 8.2 kilometers from the resort town of Albufeira, the site occupies a strategic rocky peninsular bend along the Quarteira River. While the infobox notes early origins in the 2nd century, the standing structure was primarily constructed in the later 12th century by Berber forces under the Almohad Caliphate. The castle was built using distinct local materials, specifically sandstone and taipa, a traditional rammed earth technique. Its position allowed it to control the ancient Roman road known as Via Lusitanorum and the river crossing, serving as a vital military outpost and politico-administrative center throughout various historical eras.

Historically, the site evolved from a Neolithic and Chalcolithic settlement into a Roman castro before being conquered by the Moors around 713. The Almohads subsequently erected the fortification that defines the site today. The castle holds significant cultural importance in Portugal, as it is widely believed to be one of the original seven castles depicted on the national shield, symbolizing the victories during the Reconquista. The complex originally included a chapel dedicated to Nossa Senhora do Castelo, which now stands in ruins alongside the main fortifications. A nearby medieval bridge, restored in 1771, further highlights the location's long-standing role in regional infrastructure and defense.

Currently, the Castle of Paderne is owned by the Portuguese Republic and managed by DRCALGARVE, having been officially classified under a 2007 decree. The site is open to the public, allowing visitors to explore the remnants of its tower gate, lateral walls, and the ruined chapel. Although parts of the structure remain in a ruined state, it stands as a preserved monument reflecting the layered history of Roman, Moorish, and Portuguese influence in the Algarve. The castle serves as a tangible link to the region's turbulent past and continues to be a point of interest for those studying medieval military architecture and the history of the Iberian Peninsula.

![Photo of Castle of Paderne](http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Paderne%20Castle%2026%20Nov%202007%20%289%29.JPG)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castle_of_Paderne (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)