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Immersed in awe-inspiring vistas and captivating photo opportunities, the Castle of the Moors has long held the allure of its stunning panoramas. Yet, for the discerning visitor with an insatiable curiosity and a keen eye for detail, a world of remarkable surprises lies concealed within its ancient walls. In this article, we invite you to embark on a journey of discovery as we unveil five extraordinary and uncommon finds that await those who venture to the Castle of the Moors. Prepare to be captivated by the hidden treasures and untold stories that have been patiently safeguarded by time, revealing a deeper, more enigmatic dimension to this remarkable historical site.
1. Ancient "Tupperware"
In the castle complex, both indoors and outdoors, you will come across peculiarly shaped holes scattered throughout. These holes serve as fascinating remnants of the Mourish people who once inhabited this place. Originating from the Moroccan Maghreb, these individuals were accustomed to desert living, where the scorching heat posed a challenge to food preservation. To combat this, they devised innovative technologies and methods to extend the shelf life of their food.
However, the resourceful Moorish people took it a step further by inventing creative ways to preserve food within the earth itself. These distinctive "holes" essentially served as containers, specifically designed to store seeds, vegetables, and various other food items. Stone lids were placed on top of the hole, using material to airtightly seal the content and avoid rot.
It wouldn't be far-fetched to refer to them as the earliest precursors to what we now know as "Tupperware" in the annals of history!
2. Escape or Betrayal: The Enigmatic Traitors Door Medieval castles were frequently subjected to sieges. The Castle of the Moors in Sintra has
a remarkable feature known as the "Traitors Door." The Traitors Door served as an covert passage, enabling those within the castle to move in and out undetected by the opposing forces. However, in times of treachery, a traitor could exploit this very same passage to grant enemy troops access to the castle, thereby entrapping its unsuspecting residents. Moreover, should the castle be on the brink of capture, a high-ranking official could employ the Traitors Door as an escape route. Hence the intriguing name for this door:
3. Stone-cutting Sorcery Medieval castle builders possessed incredible craftsmanship and ingenuity when it came to constructing their magnificent fortresses. One remarkable technique they employed, known as "line drilling," allowed them to manipulate immense blocks of stone without the aid of modern power tools. This ingenious method involved carefully chiselling a series of squared lined holes along the desired cutting line. By aligning these holes precisely, the builders would then apply force, using wedges and hammers, to split the stone along the intended path. It was a laborious process that required patience and skill, but the results were nothing short of awe-inspiring. These sagacious craftsmen demonstrated that even without the convenience of power tools, they were capable of achieving astonishing feats of construction.
4. United after Death: King D. Fernando II's Monument of Harmony
King D. Fernando II, known for his remarkable sensitivity and appreciation for diverse cultures, constructed a tombstone at the Castle of the Moors as a tribute to both the Muslim and Christian individuals laid to rest there. The construction efforts led by King D. Fernando II unintentionally caused damage to a portion of the Christian necropolis surrounding the Church of São Pedro de Canaferrim. In response, a tomb was erected to inter the recovered remains. Carved into the stone were symbols of both crescent moon and cross, symbolizing the coexistence of Islamic and Christian faiths. Additionally, the epitaph engraved on the tombstone read, "What Man has joined, only God can separate," acknowledging the uncertainty of whether the human remains belonged to Christians or Muslims.
This poignant tombstone stands as a testament to King D. Fernando II's profound love for humanity and his commitment to honoring the cultural diversity and heritage present within the Castle of the Moors.
5. Cryptic Coins: Discover this Secret hidden in Noble Tombs
Within the Castle, the tombs of noblemen hold fascinating tales and reveal intriguing artifacts. Among the discoveries, numerous coins dating from the 12th to the 14th centuries have been found, further corroborating the known practice of using the obol of Charon during the late antiquity and medieval eras. This practice involved placing a small coin, known as the obol, within the eye socket of the deceased as a symbolic payment to Charon, the ferryman of the underworld, for safe passage into the afterlife. The presence of these coins in the noble tombs highlights the continuation of this age-old tradition and provides tangible evidence of the beliefs and customs surrounding death and the journey beyond. It is through these remarkable finds that the noblemen's tombs at the Castle come alive, offering a glimpse into the rituals and beliefs of the bygone eras.
These are just five of the unique discoveries you will encounter during your visit to the Castle of the Moors in Sintra. However, there is so much more to explore within its walls. From the different towers to the Armory square, the Royal Tower where King D. Fernando II used to sit and paint the landscape, the scenic walk around the walls, the Moorish Fountain, the Cistern, and the Church of São Pedro de Canaferrim, as well as the ancient Horse Stables, there is an abundance of historical and architectural wonders to discover.
To make the most of your visit, we recommend purchasing tickets online in advance. This will save you time and help you avoid long queues, especially during peak seasons. You can conveniently purchase your tickets through our website by clicking the following link: Buy Tickets for the Castle of the Moors in Sintra Online - Click Here
Immerse yourself in the rich history and captivating beauty of the Castle of the Moors in Sintra. Don't miss out on the opportunity to explore this remarkable landmark. For a comprehensive guide to the Castle of the Moors, we invite you to read our detailed article available on our website.
