aerial view paderne castle ruin portugal islamic origin

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Aerial view of Paderne castle ruin in Portugal of Islamic origin Royalty Free Stock Photo

Aerial view of Paderne castle ruin in Portugal of Islamic origin

Paderne Castle, a prime example of Almohad military architecture in Portugal, features rammed earth (taipa) walls, a characteristic of the period, which are remarkably well-preserved. It exhibits a simple, functional design with a rectangular layout, dominated by a central albarrana tower, a detached defensive tower providing flanking fire. The castle's strategic position on a hilltop overlooking the Quarteira River highlights its defensive purpose, with the walls and tower designed to maximize visibility and control of the surrounding terrain. Its minimalist, robust construction, devoid of elaborate ornamentation, underscores its purely military function.