The castle is a fortification of Islamic origin from the 12th century that represents a “cultural and historical value of great significance in the national territory, belonging to a medieval Islamic and medieval Christian heritage, in the category of defensive architecture in the Algarve”, highlights the Commission of Coordination and Regional Development (CCDR) of the Algarve in the information available on its website regarding the classification request.

The CCDR highlighted that the castle of Salir, located in the parish of the same name, was “conquered by D. Paio Peres Correia, master of the Order of Santiago, after the capture of the city of Tavira and other castles on the coast, between 1248 and 1249”, and it served as a base for Afonso III's army to later conquer the city of Faro.

“The ruins of the castle are located in the western area of ​​the village, integrated into the urban area of ​​the village, on a 256 metre high limestone hill”, one can read in the CCDR’s reasoning, which highlights the role of the structure as “part of the fortifications that were rebuilt during the Almohad period to defend Loulé and to protect the villages in the rural region”.

The property, which is in the process of being listed, and those located in the “general protection zone (50 metres from its external limits) are covered by current legal provisions”, says the notice.

Interested parties can consult the justification, order and plan of the property in the process of being classified and the respective general protection zone on the websites of the public institute Património Cultural, CCDR and Loulé Municipal Council.

“The interested party may complain about the act that decides to open the classification procedure, under the terms and conditions established in the Code of Administrative Procedure, without prejudice to the possibility of contentious challenge”, the notice also says.