Castro Marim
provides a stark contrast to Monte Gordo and it nestles between two
hills. Even though they are low hills they have a commanding view of
the broad estuary of the river Guadiana, which marks the frontier
between the Algarve and the Spanish province of Andalusia.
The larger of Castro Marim's two separate fortifications stands on the
hill on the riverside of the road winding through the village. You can
drive almost right up to the front gate and then walk around within the
battlements. You will see that there is a castle within a castle. The
inner one is square with a cylindrical tower at each corner. In the
15th-century, this was the headquarters of the Order of Christ, the
religious-military order that succeeded the Knights Templar in
Portugal. Later, the castle was greatly expanded. In the 17th-century
it was augmented by a second fortification, the Fort of São Sebastião,
which stands on the other side of the village. The fort was built to
strengthen Portugal's defences when it regained its independence after
60 years of Spanish subjugation (between 1580 and 1640).
The area around Castro Marim is a protected natural reserve (Reserva
Natural do Sapal), rich in bird life. Its saltpans and marshes are
feeding and breeding grounds for many species of water birds, including
Black-winged Stilts, Avocets and Little Terns. Flocks of several
hundred flamingos may be seen feeding in the pans out of breeding
season. For directions and information about the species you can expect
to see, ask the office just inside the main gate of the castle. There
are also guided tours, but you have to book in advance.
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