Almourol - Castelo de Almourol II

September 11, 2010

Almourol - Almourol Castle

Description: After the Order of the Knights Templar was eradicated in 1307, and the Portuguese reconquista ended, there was no longer any need for the stronghold, and the Almourol Castle was abandoned and forgotten. In the 19th century the castle was popularized as an example of chivalric and romantic ideals of the Middle Ages. Many of the original structures were destroyed in a failed attempt to recreate the grand medieval monument, without remaining true to its heritage.

On the 16th of June 1910, by Royal Edit, the castle was classified as a national monument and, a few decades later it was adapted to be an Official Residence of the Portuguese Republic. Additional renovations took place during the 1940s and 1950s and some important events of the dictatorship period were held within its walls. It is important to note that most of these renovations which had started in the 19th century, were not respectful of the castle's original design, they were instead influenced by the 19th century romantic ideals and its conception of life in the Middle Ages, which lead to many of the castles primitive structures being sacrificed and several decorative elements added. Nowadays the castle is the property of the Portuguese Army and is currently located inside a designated military area.

References: Wikipedia - The free Encyclopedia