Almourol

It’s a lovely castle. Built on the eleventh century, on a promontory on Tejo’s riverbed, it had a defensive purpose – to keep a watch on Arab approaches – and a commercial one. It was built by the Order of Christ (also known as the Order of the Knights Templar’s, earlier on), and its founder, D. Gualdim Pais (whose statue stands on the main square of Tomar).

You may embark on a small boat that will get you to the castle’s grounds. The castle is relatively small, has the shape of a boat and, even if it is a bit wrecked, once you climb to the top of the main tower, you will get to enjoy a wonderful view over the Tejo river. If you decide to visit Almourol at sunset or at nighttime, when it’s lit up, the view, cradled by the sound of the croaking frogs, it is truly unforgettable.