Castelo de Castro Marim (Castle By The Sea): A 13th-14th century castle comes to life with parades, jousting, music and dancing. Welcome to medieval Portugal.
Castro Marim (population 7,000) lies between two hills. On one hilltop are the ruins and walls of the medieval Castelo de Castro Marim, the first headquarters of the Knights Templar in the 13th century.
Photo credit: AlgarveTips.com
São Sebastião Fortress on the adjacent hilltop provides views beyond the Spanish border. Usually closed to the public except during the annual Dias Medevais exhibition.
The Village
Medieval commerce marked the beginning of the money economy.
As in the middle ages, street vendors sell salt, fresh and dried fish, cheese, bread, nuts, spices, and handicrafts. Have a beer (Sagres or Super Bock) or wine with grilled sardines, chorizo, and/or octopus.
Historic Parade – Not To Be Missed!
Locals represent the different social classes of the time: clergy, nobility, bourgeoisie, peasants, followed by jugglers, tightrope walkers, jesters, and “not-historically-authentic” performers.
Up and Inside the Castle Walls
Within the dusty castle ruins are demonstrations and performances.
My ALL TIME FAVORITE! Love the bagpipes.
Competitions!
Salt Pans
Atop the ramparts is a view of one of the world’s largest salt flats. Sea salt and flor de sal is harvested manually with wooden tools to avoid chemical contamination – the same pristine salt used by the Romans 2000 years ago.
The Fortress
A military and civil garrison at Forte de S. Sebastião.
The Arab Camp/Caravan of Sheikh F’Al Káyd. Exotic products and spices brought by the Moors.
This historical recreation event is held typically in August. kings, nobles, soldiers, artisans, great fun for the commoners!
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Travel Broadly - Marlene & Steve 
WOW, ANOTHER GRAND ADVENTURE. SUCH GREAT PHOTOS AND VIDIOS. I FELT AS IF I WAS THERE. WISH I WAS
Hi Dolores! You are such a positive force. Thanks for keeping abreast.
I LOVE YOUR BLOG SO MUCH AND LOOK FORWARD TO MORE CAUSE I FEEL I AM WITH YOU. GOOD FEELING
What a fun post! Felt like I was there. I just love seeing the world through your blogs! xo
Thank you! I think of you when I wake up with a smile after these excursions!
woo, woo, that was wonderful and i felt like i was there. such color and fun. keep up the great work.cant wait to see more. dolores
Thank you so very, very much!