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The castle, which stands 18 metres
above the level of the
Rio Tejo,
formed part of the Linha Tejo (Tagus Line) of
castles restored by the Templars to re-conquer
Portugal
from the Moors and protect the capital from invasion,
which was at the time
Coimbra.
The castle was
reconstructed in true Templar style with the main space
being set on a quadrangle, with nine towers to protect
the high outer walls and a jail tower to the centre.
This jail tower was set over three levels and has over
time been modified significantly. Above the entrance
archway to the castle there is a hand carved inscription
detailing
Almourol Castle's
completion in 1171.
The castle was damaged
during the earthquake of 1755, which razed
Lisbon
to the ground. During the reconstruction though
Almourol Castle
was given a more romantic appearance with the addition
of crenels.
Following the extinction of
the Order of the Knights Templar in 1312, ownership of
Almourol Castle
passed to the Order of Christ. During the New State
period in
Portugal
in the early 19th century
Almourol Castle
began an official residence of the state. However in the
latter part of the 19th century the castle was given to
the Portuguese army. Even today the responsibility of
Almourol Castle
is down to the commander of the Engineering Practical
School (Escola Prática de Engenharia de Tancos).
Almourol Castle
was designated a national monument in 1910.
However it is still
possible to visit
Almourol Castle
today. Entry is free though the only access to the
castle is by boat. A river taxi service operates on a
daily basis from the northern shores of the river
adjacent to the castle. Between November and March the
taxi operates between 10am and 5pm and between April and
October from 10am through until 7pm. The return journey
on the boat, which has a capacity of 20, is 1.50€. |
