Almourol Castle

Posted by Brites (Lisboa, Portugal) on 22 December 2007 in Architecture and Portfolio.

Almourol Castle, Portugal, was once a Templar Knights stronghold during the Reconquista, and is situated on a small rocky island in the middle of the Tagus River. The occupation of the site extend to the Roman period but in 1129, when Portuguese troops conquered the surrounding area, the castle was already in existence and was known as Almoralan.

Almourol was given to the Templar Knights, who then became responsible for the defence of the ancient capital, Coimbra. The knights went about settling the area and rebuilding the castle, many of its original architectural characteristics are still visible today.

A translation of text inscribed on the main gate tells us that Almourol was completed in 1171, just two years after the construction of the castle at Tomar. These two castles had several features which were common to both castles. The architects opted for a quadrangular design with the high walls being protected by nine circular towers.

Each castle also had a jail tower. The tower at Almourol castle has been significantly modified down through the centuries and consisted of three levels.

When The Order of the Templar Knights and the reconquista faded into history, the importance of Almourol declined and it was eventually forgotten. In the 19th century, Almourol was rediscovered and attempts were made to rekindle the idealism of the middle ages. Many of the original structures were destroyed without any thought to its true heritage.

During the 20th century, Almourol castle was adapted to be an Official Residence of the Republic, with some important events of the dictatorial regime that devastated Portugal taking place within.

in: http://www.guide-to-castles-of-europe.com/almourol-castle.html