TOMAR

Located at the heart of the old town, the charming Praça da República square invites visitors to savour a leisurely lunch or coffee amidst picturesque surroundings. Adorned with intricate diamond-patterned tiling, the square is graced by a statue honouring the town's founder, Gualdim Pais. Here, amidst the historic ambience, stand impressive 17th-century structures, including the iconic old town hall, distinguished by its charismatic loggia boasting three elegant arches.

CHURCH OF SÃO JOÃO BAPTISA

Opposite the old town hall, on the Praça do República, lies the recently restored Church of São João Baptista (John the Baptist). With origins tracing back to the 12th century as a meeting place for the Knights Templar, this architectural gem underwent reconstruction in the 15th century under the patronage of Dom Manuel, reaching completion in 1510. Adorned with exquisite Manueline ornaments, the church's north door features depictions of boars, dogs, and wild asses, while the western entrance exudes a more understated charm. The adjacent bell tower, with its distinctive octagonal profile atop a square base, adds to the church's allure. Step inside to admire the captivating artworks, including six panels painted by Gregório Lopes, showcasing masterful craftsmanship and depicting scenes such as The Last Supper.

Perched majestically atop a lush hill, Tomar's premier attraction offers unrivalled panoramic vistas of the town, cementing its status as a quintessential architectural gem in Portugal. Situated adjacent to the convent's entrance lies the mysterious 12th-century Templar Castle, an enduring symbol of the region's rich heritage. Once serving as a bastion of defence along the critical route between Santarém and Coimbra, its imposing crenellations stand as a testament to its formidable past.

Commissioned under the watchful eye of Gualdim Pais, Master of the Knights Templar, construction of the castle commenced on March 1st, 1160. Evolving over the centuries, its irregular walls expanded to encompass significant features such as the Charola, or Round Church, alongside the Knights Templar's residential quarters and the bustling parade ground. As a cornerstone of Tomar's historical legacy, this iconic landmark continues to captivate visitors with its timeless allure and storied past.

THE CHAROLA

Renowned as a masterpiece of Templar architecture, the Charola stands as an emblem of Tomar's rich heritage, showcasing a unique polygonal design reminiscent of Jerusalem's revered Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Throughout the ages, this iconic structure has undergone significant enhancements overseen by influential figures such as Henry the Navigator and King Manuel I.

Under Manuel I's patronage, the Charola experienced a remarkable transformation, with notable additions, including the monumental triumphal arch that seamlessly connects it to the Manueline church. These enhancements not only enhance the Charola's architectural grandeur but also underscore its profound historical significance, solidifying its status as a must-visit attraction.

The Chapter House Window stands as a remarkable showcase of Manueline architecture, a testament to the craftsmanship of Diogo de Arruda. Positioned on the west façade of the Manueline church, this architectural marvel was meticulously crafted between 1510 and 1513. Referred to as Janela do Capítulo in Portuguese, it is adorned entirely with intricate maritime imagery.

Within the elaborate design, one can discern motifs symbolising seashells, coral, interwinding ropes, and the royal coat of arms, creating a mesmerising tapestry of symbolism. The intricate details of the window evoke a sense of mystery, leaving visitors to ponder if there's a hidden message encoded within the stonework.

As a cherished relic of Portugal's architectural heritage, the Chapter House Window beckons visitors to marvel at its beauty and unravel the secrets concealed within its intricate motifs.

THE CLOISTERS

The Cloister Principal, a testament to the architectural prowess of João de Castilho, stands as an enduring symbol of heritage and craftsmanship. Erected between 1530 and 1533, this historic structure has stood the test of time, retaining its magnificence to this day.

Under the reign of João III, the cloister underwent partial reconstruction, a project that reached its culmination in 1562. During this period, the Ceras terrace received special attention, featuring a remarkable ceiling completed by Filipe Terzi, an esteemed Italian architect renowned for his exceptional contributions to the Renaissance era.

Terzi's work on the Ceras terrace ceiling is widely acclaimed and celebrated as a masterpiece that exemplifies the splendour of Renaissance architecture. As a cherished component of Tomar's architectural heritage, the Cloister Principal and its adorned terrace continue to captivate visitors with their timeless beauty and historical significance.

High Season Daily: 09h00 - 18h30 | Low Season Daily: 09h00 - 17h00
Adult: €6.00, OAP & concessionary: €3.00, Child under 14: FREE
Convento de Cristo, Igreja do Castelo Templário 2300-000. Tomar, Portugal.
39º 36' 12.6" N | 08º 25' 08.5" W
+351 249 315 089 | convento.cristo@igespar.pt |  Website

Before the introduction of the aqueduct, the Convent relied on springs and cisterns for its water supply. Construction on the Aqueduto dos Pegões commenced in 1593 and spanned eleven years until its completion in 1613. Spearheaded by Filipe Terzi and later finalised by Pedro Fernandes Torres, this architectural marvel stretches seven kilometres (4 mi) in length, with its highest point towering at 30 metres. Featuring 180 arches and 58 arches, the aqueduct channels water from springs situated northeastwards. Notably, at the Pegões valley's descent, the aqueduct boasts rows of double arches, with lower gothic arches supporting a continuous upper row.

Designated as a national monument since 1910, the Aqueduto dos Pegões is easily accessible via the road leading to Leiria.

Additionally, visitors can embark on a delightful journey aboard the Green Tourist Train, a popular mode of transportation introduced in 2000. Offering two routes, one circling the town and the other ascending the hill towards the Convent of Christ and Pegões Aqueduct, the train provides a convenient option for those facing mobility challenges or wishing to avoid steep inclines. Departing from Rua Marquês de Pombal and Rua Serpa Pinto, this tourist train promises a comfortable and scenic experience for all.

Located at the end of the Avenida Dr. Cândido Madureira, one of Tomar's main streets, the Mata Nacional dos Sete Montes park is Tomar's largest. Covering an area of 39 hectares, Mata Nacional dos Sete Montes is a sprawling national forest renowned for its natural beauty and cultural significance. The woodlands include ancient cypress trees, judas trees, oak trees, wild pine trees, stone pines and olive trees. Spanning over lush hillsides, this verdant oasis offers visitors a tranquil retreat amidst towering trees and winding pathways. The Gruta do Sangue, or Fonte d Gruta, is a cave that has long been associated with fertility rituals. The caves entrance resembles a womans genitilia with a stream gushing from the entrance. The park also offers a scenic route to the castle and convent complex, to which it's affiliated–which was once used by the Order of Christ for agricultural purposes. Paths lead off to springs, secluded corners and monuments, including a model Romanesque church known as the Charolinha, increasing the park's charm. The park is free and open during the day.

Originally established as a royal hunting ground, the Mata Nacional dos Sete Montes now serves as a beloved recreational destination for locals and tourists alike.

High Season Daily: 08h30 - 17h00 | Low Season Daily: 09h00 - 17h00 | FREE
Avenida Doutor Candido Madureira, Tomar, 2300-531, Portugal. | 39º 36' 06.7" N | 08º 24' 50.8" W

The Igreja de Santa Maria do Olival was built in 1160 and pre-dates the Convent of Christ and castle overlooking Tomar. The church was built over the top of a Benedictine convent part of the Roman settlement called Nabância. The church was deliberately built below ground level and might be symbolic of rebirth ceremonies. The church was commissioned by the regional master of the Order of the Knights Templar in Portugal, Gualdim Pais. Igreja de Santa Maria do Olival served as the Pantheon for the Order of the Knights Templar and is the resting place of Mestre Lourenço Martins, Mestre Dom Gil Martins and Gualdim Pais. The site served as the centrepiece of the Templar's influence in Portugal for 400 years who have left their encoded symbols all over the place.

The construction has a stark appearance both inside and outside, which is a typical feature of religious orders. The interior feels cavernous, with a central nave and two side aisles illuminated by a large rose window in the façade. Olival translates as "olive grove" and a reference to the Mount of Olives. A small rose window on the eastern wall (facing Jerusalem) incorporates a pentagram, a Templar emblem. Local myths suggest the church served an important site for underground Templar initiation rituals. Recent nearby construction work and radar surveys confirm the existence of underground tunnels leading to Tomar's castle. The church's rectangular bell tower stands separate from the main edifice in front of the main façade. It was constructed during the time of Dom Manuel I and doubled up as a watchtower.

Several chapels were added to the Southern side of the church during restoration work in the 16th century. Notable are the polychromed statue of the Virgin Mary and Child (early 16th century) in the main altar and the funerary monument of Diogo Pinheiro, the first Bishop of Funchal, a fine Renaissance work dating from 1525, located on the wall of the main chapel.

Tuesday – Sunday: 10h00 – 18h00, Monday & Sunday: CLOSED | FREE
Rua Aquiles de Mota Lima, 2300-255, Tomar, Portugal. | 39º 36' 10.5" N | 08º 23' 59.2" W