Castelo de Almourol is located on a small granite island in the middle of the Tagus River (Rio Tejo), near the village of Praia do Ribatejo in the municipality of Vila Nova da Barquinha, Santarém District.
By car it takes about 1 h 30 from Lisbon to reach the castle.
The site has been used for defensive purposes for a very long time, archaeological evidence shows fortifications from pre-Roman and Roman times.
In 1129, Portuguese Christian forces under Afonso Henriques conquered the area, and the castle was soon given to the Knights Templar.
The current castle structure is mostly from 1171, built or rebuilt by Templar master Gualdim Pais.
Because of its island location and river access, it was a part of the “Linha do Tejo” defensive line controlling trade and movement along the river.
It's one of the most dramatic and picturesque ones in Portugal: a medieval fortress rising from the water, surrounded by nature and history. The combination of the island, the river, and the Templar architecture gives it a special feel.
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