Almourol

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Shortened history of the castle:

The site has been occupied since the antiquity and it is certain that in 1129, when Portuguese troops conquered the land, the castle already existed and was called Almorolan.

The site was given to the Knights Templar, who built a settlement between the Mondego and the Tagus rivers. At the time, they were responsible for the defence of the capital which was, at that time, Coimbra.

The final construction ended in 1171 and reveals a perfect quadrangular disposal of the spaces. The high walls are protected by nine circular towers, with a jail-tower at the center of the structure.

After the Order of the Knights Templar was eradicated in 1307, and the Portuguese reconquista ended, there was no longer any need for the stronghold, and the Almourol Castle was abandoned and forgotten.

On the 16th of June 1910, by Royal Edit, the castle was classified as a national monument and, a few decades later it was adapted to be an Official Residence of the Portuguese Republic.

Opening times and additional information:

The castle and the tiny fluvial island may be visited without charge. Visitors only pay for an inexpensive boat trip across the river, which is the only way for visitors to reach the castle.