Municipal council aims to reopen the eastern gate in alignment with the original design of the castle
The municipal council of Castro Marim has secured significant funding to support the renovation of the eastern section of the town’s historic castle, a national monument since 1910.
The project, part of the Integrated Urban Centres Network of Alentejo and Algarve, will focus on strategic interventions aimed at preserving and revitalising the castle.
One of the key elements of the project is the reopening of the eastern gate of the castle walls, a long-standing goal of the local council. The plan is to restore the gate in alignment with the original design of the fortress, creating a new access point while preserving the historical integrity of the site, the council says in a statement.
This ambitious restoration initiative represents a total investment of €1 million, with €538,000 financed through the ‘Rede de Fortalezas Alentejo e Algarve’ (Alentejo and Algarve Fortress Network). The funding will support efforts to “consolidate and rehabilitate the castle, improving the cultural offerings and enhancing the visitor experience,” the local authority adds.
The planned works include strengthening the castle’s fortifications, covering recently uncovered archaeological excavation sites, creating a visitor circuit, and improving accessibility and safety for tourists.
In addition to the restoration of the eastern gate, the project will fund the first phase of the creation of a new Interpretation Centre focused on the Templar and Order of Christ knights, who played a crucial role in the history of both Portugal and Castro Marim. The centre will initially focus on research, studies, and publications, further cementing the castle’s historical significance, the council explains. This phase of the project is expected to cost €195,000, with €117,000 covered by the allocated funds.
The initiative is part of the wider Alentejo and Algarve Fortress Network, a collaborative effort led by the Municipality of Elvas, which includes other urban centres like Portalegre, Alcoutim, Reguengos de Monsaraz, Mértola, Beja, Campo Maior, and Nisa. The project aligns with the Algarve 2030 strategy, which prioritises culture, heritage preservation, and the development of tourism as key drivers of regional competitiveness.
“For over 40 years, Castro Marim has sought to unlock a comprehensive restoration of the castle, which is in urgent need of structural and historical preservation,” the council says.
With this newly secured funding, the municipality is now poised to bring this long-awaited project to fruition.
