Paderne Castle is undergoing a renovation and has recently seen the first stage – involving repairs to its ‘Albarrana’ tower – completed at a cost of €79,000.
Portugal’s Culture Minister Luís Filipe Castro Mendes visited the castle last week and said he was happy to see such an iconic monument being revamped.
Praising Albufeira council for investing in the improvement of the region’s heritage, the minister said: “The Algarve is not just the coastline and its beaches. We have to invest more in the inland Algarve, where our roots are.”
Accompanying the minister during his visit was Albufeira mayor José Carlos Rolo, who said the castle as one of the borough’s main attractions.
“We must preserve our heritage, our roots and boast about our cultural and historical landmarks. Albufeira is not just sun and sea,” he stressed.
The first stage of the renovation project was financed by Albufeira council and the Millennium BCP Foundation, with each paying 20% of the works, while the regional culture board (DRCA) paid the remainder.
The second stage will begin in 2019, costing around €400,000 and involving the restoration of the castle’s eastern wall which has eroded over the years due to the impact of the wind.
José Carlos Rolo also said that there are plans to renovate the access routes to the castle in a bid to “attract more visitors”.
The castle was built in the 12th century and is said to be one of the original castles that occupy the shield of the Portuguese national flag.
It has been classified as a “public interest building” since 1971 and is currently managed by the local council and the DRCA.
