Castelo de Almourol

Ribatejo


Like the stuff of legend, 10-towered Castelo de Almourol stands tantalisingly close to shore but just out of reach in the Rio Tejo. The castle is 5km from Constância. Boats (€2.50, five minutes) leave every 10 minutes from a riverside landing directly opposite the castle. Once on the island, a short walk leads up to the ramparts, where you’re free to linger as long as you like.

The island, almost jumping distance from land, was once the site of a Roman fort; the castle was built by Gualdim Pais, Grand Master of the Order of the Knights Templar, in 1171. It’s no surprise that Almourol has long caught the imagination of excitable poets longing for the Age of Chivalry.

Buses run between Constância and Tancos, passing within 2.5km of the castle.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Ribatejo attractions

1. Museu dos Fósforos

9.61 MILES

This museum, reached via the lovely courtyard of the Convento de São Francisco, contains Europe’s largest collection of matchboxes. Amassed by local …

2. Mata Nacional dos Sete Montes

9.76 MILES

These bucolic 39-hectare gardens – linked to the Convento de Cristo – were founded by the Order of Christ and once served as a contemplative space and…

3. Museu Luso-Hebraico Abraham Zacuto

9.87 MILES

On a charming cobbled lane in the old town, you’ll find the country’s best-preserved medieval synagogue. Built between 1430 and 1460, it was used for only…

4. Igreja de São João Baptista

9.9 MILES

The old town’s most striking church faces Praça da República, itself an eye-catching ensemble of 17th-century buildings alive with the echo of cooing…

5. Convento de Cristo

9.94 MILES

Wrapped in splendour and mystery, the Knights Templar held enormous power in Portugal from the 12th to 16th centuries, and largely bankrolled the Age of…

6. Núcleo De Arte Contemporânea

9.97 MILES

This modern museum showcases the work of 20th-century modernists and surrealists as well as contemporary artists from all over Portugal.

7. Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Conceição

10.06 MILES

Downhill from the monastery is this strikingly simple Renaissance chapel in a lovely position. It’s attributed to Diogo de Torralva, architect of the…

8. Aqueduto de Pegões

10.25 MILES

This astonishing aqueduct, striding towards the monastery from the northwest, was built between 1593 and 1613 to supply water to thirsty monks. Its 180…