Castelo de Almourol
- from EUR 10
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Why go
- A Portuguese National Monument since 1910.
- An island stronghold positioned to control Tagus navigation and defend against invasions.
- A 12th-century Templar castle built over an earlier Roman or Visigothic fortress.
Opening hours
Today09:00 – 19:00Show all
Don't miss
- Upstream towersNine tall circular towers reinforce the outer walls facing upstream.Lower outer enclosure
- The keepThe square, 12th-century tower stands in the raised inner enclosure.Raised inner enclosure
- Main-gate inscriptionAn inscription above the entrance dates the castle’s reconstruction to 1171.Main gate
- Wall-top walkwayClimb the stairways to follow the walkway along the walls.Castle walls
Know before you go
- Monday: 09:00–19:00; Tuesday–Sunday: 10:00–13:00 and 14:30–17:30.
What's inside
- Two inscribed stones record Gualdim Pais’s rebuilding and the castle’s Christian history.
- The lower courtyard has a postern gate and traces of a well.
- Later alterations to the keep added a terrace, a metal access stair and a Templar exhibition.
Tips for your visit
- The castle is in Praia do Ribatejo, about 4 kilometres from Vila Nova da Barquinha; nearby Tancos is another name used for a boat departure.
- Telephone: +351 927 228 354.
Interesting facts3
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75 metres
The island measures about 310 by 75 metres and rises on a granite outcrop 18 metres above the water.
Castelo de Almourol - Wikipedia -
Excavations uncovered Roman coins from the 1st century BC and medieval medals.
Castelo de Almourol - Wikipedia -
The keep and watchtowers were innovations introduced by the Templars in western Iberia.
Castle of Almourol - Wikipedia
History
Almourol belonged to the Templars’ Linha do Tejo defensive network during the Reconquista. As Christian territory expanded south, its military importance declined; it was eventually abandoned and fell into ruin.
- 1129The castle was captured and entrusted to Templar master Gualdim Pais.
- 19th centuryRomantic interest revived attention to the ruined castle.
- 1940s–1950sThe castle was adapted as an official residence for Portuguese Republic events.
- 1996Repairs covered the walls, parts of the keep and the castle pavement.
- 2013Work addressed damaged walls and towers, waterproofing and drainage.
Photo spots
- Castle from the islet pathsPaths around the islet offer different views of the castle and surrounding landscape.Paths around the islet
How to get there
- BoatThe island can only be reached by boat; there is no bridge or walking route. Cais de Almourol has a short, direct crossing.
- BoatA river excursion from Cais D’El Rei in Tancos includes a stop to visit the castle.
- BoatOther named boarding points are Avenida Cais de Tancos in Vila Nova da Barquinha and Cais do Arripiado in Chamusca.
Sources: Castle of Almourol - Wikipedia · Almourol Castle | Information | Tickets | Board… · A História do Castelo de Almourol - Welcome-to · Preço dos Bilhetes do Castelo de Almourol e Com… · Château d'Almourol - Wikipedia · Castelo de Almourol - Wikipedia · checked 28 Sep 2026
- Phone
- +351927228354
Questions and answers
What does Al-morolan mean at Castelo de Almourol?
It means “high stone”.
What happened to Castelo de Almourol after the Templars?
It passed to the Order of Christ in 1319.
Did Castelo de Almourol have a resident community?
Its residents were granted a charter in 1170.
Why were further repairs needed at Castelo de Almourol?
By 2004, water infiltration was causing renewed deterioration, including in exterior walls.
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