Castle of Almourol, Portugal

The Castle of Almourol is a medieval castle located on a small rocky island in the middle of the Tagus river at Constânza, in the province of Rebatejo, Portugal. The first castle on the site of the current Knights Templar castle was probably built at the end of the 11th or in the beginning of the 12th century. When Portuguese conquered the land in 1129 the castle already existed.



Afterwards the castle which had a strategic importance was given by the Portuguese King to the Knights Templar who in 1171 rebuilt it and held it until 1307 when the Order of the Knights Templars was eradicated. At the same time also the Portuguese reconquista ended and the Castle of Almourul lost its former importance. Afterwards the castle was abandoned and decayed until 1910 when it became the state property and some restoration works were carried out. More extensive restoration took place in the 1940's and today is the Castle of Almourol opened to the public but is accessible only by a boat.