Almourol Castle

    The most beautiful castle in Portugal, located in Vila Nova da Barquinha, district of Santarém

    Reputed to be the most beautiful castle in Portugal, Castelo de Almourol is located on a small island in the middle of the Tagus River. Having been one of the most emblematic medieval military monuments of the Reconquista, it recalls the history of the Knights Templar in Portugal. Through archaeological excavations in its interior, traces of occupation by the Romans and the Middle Ages were discovered. With the extinction of the Templars in 1312, the castle ceased to have its military and strategic function, and was later abandoned.

    The history of Castelo de Almourol recalls the reconquest of the territory during the Middle Ages. When the Christians arrived in 1129, the castle already existed under the name of Almorolan and was later included in the lands given to the care of the Templars. According to an inscription at the castle’s entrance, reconstruction works took place in 1171.

    Almourol Castle formed the defensive line of the Tagus River together with the castles of Tomar, Zêzere and Vila Cardiga.

    It was later recovered by the Romantic spirit of the 19th century, which restored it and gave it its current appearance, after having fallen into oblivion with the extinction of the Knights Templar.

    Located in Praia do Ribatejo, in the municipality of Vila Nova da Barquinha, district of Santarém and the Center region, its location is often attributed to Tancos, which is the closest town and from where it can be seen better.

    Built with granite 18 meters above water level, on a small island 310 meters long and 75 meters wide, in the middle course of the Tagus River, Almourol Castle is located at the confluence with the Zêzere River. At the time of the Reconquest, this was called the Tagus Line, and today it is called the Templar Tourism Region.

    A representative example of the military architecture of the time, it evokes the beginnings of the Kingdom of Portugal and the Knights Templar, thus having a reinforced aura of mystery and romanticism.

    With the extinction of the Order of the Temple (Templars), the castle becomes part of the heritage of the Order of Christ.