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The Templars constructed a military fortress on a small island on the Tejo River. Their residence in Tomar, like any capital, needed a defense or, at least, an early warning of impending danger.
The Templar’s castle of Almourol.
Six months ago, we were sitting at home and scrupulously investigating the map of Portugal. Judging from the Google Maps, the Tejo River was not so wide in that place and not very deep. On the pictures in the Internet, you can see some stones above the water surface. How would we ford the river and take inner pictures of the castle?
We had to choose a rubber boat or a professional fishing costume. Since we did not know the strength of the river current, we chose a rubber suit.
We easily found the road to the Almourol Castle, but were a bit embarrassed with a carabinier’s car which followed our Citroen, then overtook us and disappeared ahead. As it turned out, the Tejo River level had risen and the authorities were alerted. The access to the Almourol Castle was closed.
Even if we used our fishing outfits taken along from home, we could hardly cross the flooded river, much less do it under the eyes of the carabiniers who were carrying out their duty at the bank of the river. So, we had to be satisfied with an external photo-shoot.
OK. Let’s go to Tomar.
Happy travels!