The privileged location of the Almourol Castle at a small craggy island on the middle of the river Tagus raises the mysticism and mystery aura which surrounds the military fort. The origin of the castle is shrouded in mystery, but it is known that its occupation stretches back to 1129, date when it was conquered by the Portuguese troops. Until then it was called Almoralan and it is believed that had existed at this place a primitive Lusitanian and pre-roman stronghold. | After being given to the Templars, it was rebuilt by Gualdim Pais, master of the Order, in 1171. The main architectural and artistic characteristics that can still be observed today are from that era. At the time of the Reconquista, it was part of the defensive line of the Tagus.
With the dissolution of the religious orders, the Almourol Castle lost some of its importance. However, after the reappearance of the Romantic ideals in the 19th century, the castle was reinvented. Many of the primitive structures were sacrificed in the name of an ideology which intended to transform the medieval monuments into unique masterpieces. Various decorative elements were added and the uniform crowning of merlons and battlements was made. In the 20th century, it was modified to be the Official Residence of the Portuguese Republic, having taken place there important events of the “Estado Novo”. |
Address:Ilha de Almourol, Praia do Ribatejo, 2260-101 Vila Nova da Barquinha GPS coordinates: 39°27'43.1"N 8°23'02.3"W
Opening hours:1 November to 28 February - 10:00 to 13:00 and 14:30 to 17:30 1 March to 31 October - 10:00 to 13:00 and 14:30 to 19:30 Closed on Mondays Price: 2.20€ |
Guided Tours:Welcome To Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Phone number: +351 915 081 737 | +351 249 715 203 Fax: +351 249 711 550
Reservations and information:Civil parish of Tancos Phone number / Fax: +351 249 712 094 / +351 962 625 678 E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
Departures near the castle:GPS: 39º27'43.12''N – 08º23'02.30''W Access to the island and the castle on boats with capacity for 20 people Tuesday to Sunday 1 November to 28 February - 10:00 to 13:00 and 14:30 to 17:00 1 March to 31 October - 10:00 to 13:00 and 14:30 to 19:00 Price: 2.20€ per person |
Departures at the Tancos docks:GPS: 39º27'31.49''N – 08º23'56.55''W Tuesday to Sunday (groups with more than 15 people have to previously book / departures once every hour) 1 November to 28 February - 10:00 to 13:00 and 14:30 to 17:00 1 March to 31 October - 10:00 to 13:00 and 14:30 to 19:00 Prices: 3€ per person (between 5 to 14 people inclusive) | 2.20€ per person for previously booked groups (more than 15 people) |
