Sancho I of Portugal
In 1189, King Sancho I of Portugal conquered (in the Reconquista) the town with the aid of Northern European crusaders. Sancho ordered the fortification of the city and built a castle, which is today an important monument of Portuguese heritage. At the time he also styled himself "By the Grace of God, King of Portugal and Silves ("Dei Gratiæ, Rex Portugalliæ et Silbis").