| Aljezur was the last Moorish stronghold in the Algarve to fall to Christendom in 1250. The 10th century Islamic castle still dominates the immediate landscape, on top of the hill to the south-west of the River Aljezur, which flows through the heart of the town dividing it into to two quite distinct halves. |
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| Winding down the side of the hill from the castle, the streets of Aljezur still follow the old Moorish layout. The architecture of the houses is typically Algarvian with their whitewashed walls and brightly coloured ‘platibandas’ or painted window borders. The whole town suffered severe damage during the earthquake of 1755, however much of the castle remains intact and comprises an ample compound defended by high battlement walls and two towers, one circular, the other square. |
| The castle ramparts offer splendid views in all directions. Across the River is the Igreja Nova (New Church) area of the town. After the earthquake of 1977, the Bishop of Faro took the decision to rebuild the parish church away from the river on account of the malarial mosquitoes which inhabited the riverbank. The church has three naves, an impressive main altar and several interesting statues dating in the 17th century. |
| There are several museums in Aljezur, among which are the José Cercas museum showing paintings by the renowned artist of the same name who was born in Aljezur and the Municipal Musuem, which displays artefacts dating back as far as 7000 BC as well as items from the Bronze Age and the Roman and Islamic periods. |
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