Clan Rising
Castle of Paderne today

Portugal · Partial ruin

Castle of Paderne

The Castle of Paderne is a medieval fortification in the parish of Paderne, Albufeira, in the Algarve region of Portugal, originally built by Berber/Moorish builders in the later 12th century. The site occupies a rocky hill above a bend in the Quarteira River and preserves extensive taipa (rammed-earth) curtain walls and a projecting tower, with later medieval additions including a chapel and internal cistern.

Photograph via Wikimedia Commons

Its prime

1250

Today

Partial ruin

As it stood in 1250

The shape it held in its prime.

Perched on a rocky hill above a river bend, the castle is a trapezoidal enclosure of high, thick taipa (rammed-earth) curtain walls set on a visible stone plinth; the walls are an earthy reddish-brown with horizontal construction layers and whitewashed strips at joints. A single rectangular tower projects from the eastern wall, joined to the main wall by an upper walkway; an arched stone bridge leads to the outer tower and a right-angled L-shaped gate provides the main entrance. Interior contains low ruined chapel walls and a cistern.

Step inside

10 places to explore in 1250.

The record describes 10 distinct spots at Castle of Paderne — including 4 interiors: interior of the l-shaped gate passage, interior of the chapel (longitudinal nave), cistern and water channel remains and more. Create your own photoreal reconstruction and walk through every one — more scenes means more photos, more angles and more rooms of the immersive experience.

Approach to the main gate and outer forecourtRoman arch bridge and approach to projecting towerExterior face of the projecting eastern towerBattlements along the eastern rampartsInterior of the L-shaped gate passageInner courtyard with the chapel ruinsInterior of the chapel (longitudinal nave)Cistern and water channel remainsView from the river valley looking up at the castleUpper passageway connecting tower to curtain wall

Create History

See Castle of Paderne with the fires lit.

The artist rebuilds it as it stood in 1250 — a photoreal walk that belongs to you alone. Pay with coins, no subscription needed.

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