Castle of Alcoutim

Lusitanian castro Various vestiges encountered in the immediate surroundings suggest that a Lusitanian castro may have existed on the site, during the transition from the Neolithic to Chalcolithic periods. The Phoenicians came to this region at the end of the 10th century B.C.E., establishing a trading post under the protection of the Lusitanian castro. Unfortunately, little remains of the primitive medieval castle. In fact, there are no monographs that depict the transition between the Moorish settlement and early Portuguese settlements But, this was the last phase of the fortifications importance: the fortress began a steady decline in military and political influence in the following decades. In 2000 a museum in the center of the castle was officially opened to the public. It was most recently renovated in 2011 and covers the archaeological heritage of the castle and the region around it from the Neolithic to the Modern Period. In a building separate to the main museum is a permanent exhibition covering Islamic board games from the Moorish period. The castle and museum are open everyday of the year except 1 January plus 24, 25 and 31 December. ==Architecture==

The structure is based on the intersection of two architectural styles, that includes both a medieval castle and medieval fort. Both are based in an irregular plan and consist of a structure identifiable by merlons (the medieval) and composed of artillery batteries and bulwarks guarding the river (the modern elements). It is situated in an urban environment, on a hilltop overlooking the Ribeira de São Marcos, alongside the confluence of the Guadiana River (that borders the Spanish frontier town of São Lucar). A castle that protected its medieval town, the walls of the fortress circles the settlement of Alcoutim. ==References==