Castelo de Almourol

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.