Almourol Castle was placed on a granite outcrop, which constitutes this small but enigmatic island with 310 meters long and 75 wide, in the municipality of Vila Nova da Barquinha (Santarém).
Almourol Castle, built in the 12th century, is one of the symbols of the Christian Reconquest, and one of the greatest examples of military architecture of the time. It has inspired loves and dislikes, various peoples who have come and gone, and even served as a strategic point at more difficult times. In 2007 he was one of the finalists of the 7 Wonders of Portugal contest.
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Set on an islet in the middle of the Tagus River, Almourol Castle is one of the most iconic monuments that can be found in Portugal, for its meaning and the surrounding landscape.
Its history recalls the reconquest of the territory during the Middle Ages. When the Christians arrived here in 1129, the castle already existed under the name Almorolan, and was then included in the lands handed over to the Templar guard under Gualdim Pais. According to an inscription on the entrance, the reconstruction works date from 1171.
Along with the castles of Tomar, Zêzere and Cardiga formed the defensive line of the Tagus River.
After the Order of the Templars was extinguished and the need for defense of the territory was over, it eventually fell into oblivion and was recovered by the romantic spirit of the 19th century. XIX who guided his restoration and gave it the look we see today.
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Classified as a National Monument, it was during the Estado Novo, Official Residence of the Portuguese Republic.
The castle is built to keep up with the unevenness of the terrain, with two interior levels, the first accessed by the main entrance and the second, where the keep is via an interior staircase.
Almourol Castle is considered the most beautiful castle in Portugal! Situated on a small rugged island in the middle of the Tagus River, Almourol Castle is one of the most significant medieval military monuments, and the one that best evokes the memory of the Order of the Templars in Portugal.
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