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Tomar
About Tomar
During the 13th century, Tomar was one of the most influential towns of the Iberian Peninsula, being the religious center for the Knights Templar, o town of power, wealth and secrets
In 1160, for services rendered during the Battle of Ourique against the moors, D. Afonso de Henriques donated this land of Tomar to the Order of the Templars, Gualdim Pais, its master, then proceeded to establish and grow the Order in grandeur
When the movement to ban the order of Templars spread through Europe, D. Dinis the Portugues king, created a new order, the Order of Christ which mainly received all the goods, privileges and services from the previous order and so carried on, much the same, in Portugal.
Prince Henry, the navigator, was the governor and protector of this order and through which he gained the knowledge and funding to turn knights into navigators. His mission was to expand the kingdom and spread the faith through the maritime discoveries. This was why the caravels bore the Cross of the Knights of Christ on their sails, and why this sign was to be carved into various stone landmarks all around the world.
The town of Tomar is a picture postcard, set along the banks of the Nabão River and filled with ancient churches, pretty cobbled streets, and traditional houses.
Why you should visit in Tomar
Tomar is synonymous of history and heritage. The perfect place to understand the political, economic, military, cultural and religious facts that surround the Order of the Templars.
The Convent of Christ was the headquarters of this order and impresses the visitor with its wealth and beauty.
If possible be sure not to miss the long-awaited Festa do Tabuleiro, held every four years.
What to visit in Tomar
The Castle and the Convent of Christ
The castle dating back to the 12th century was at the time the most advanced military structure in Portugal
The temple of the round plant (Charola), built by the Templars inside the castle, was inspired by the church that the emperor Constantine built on the Holy Sepulchre, in Jerusalem. Around the Templar Chapel, the huge convent was then developed over time, where it is important to highlight the set of four great cloisters, the infirmary of the Order and also the 6-kilometre aqueduct built by the Spanish King Filipe III.
The convent of Christ is well worth the visit. Do not miss out on the Renaissance portal, the unique symbolism of the Manueline Window in the Chapter Hall, the architectural details in the Main Cloister and the areas designated to Templar rituals.
Sete Montes National Park
Located in the center of Tomar, next to one of its main avenues, the Sete Montes National Park with about 39 hectares is the main park of the city.
It is connected to the Castle having been used by the Order of Christ as an area of cultivation and where traditionally rites of initiation are said to have taken place.
Church of Santa Maria do Olival
Founded by the Templars in the 12th century and containing the tombs of various Masters of the Order, including Gualdim Pais, the first master of the order, that died in 1195
Synagogue and the Abraão Zacuto Luso-Hebrew Museum.
The Jews, after being expelled from Spain, founded a colony here in the narrow streets of the historical centre, in which one of the oldest synagogues in Portugal is situated. Today it is also the Abraão Zacuto Luso-Hebrew museum dedicated to this distinguished astronomer and mathematician
Mouchão Park
A cool and pleasant park to stroll. There you will find Roda do Mouchão, a hydraulic wheel that testifies to the presence of mills and cultivated areas along the river Nabão that contributed much to the prosperity of this city
Festas do Tabuleiro (Tray Festivals)
The spectacular Festas dos Tabuleiros, procession of white-clad “virgins” carrying headdresses made of trays of bread loaves, are held every four years in July.
Their origin is associated with the cult of the Holy Spirit.
Next in July 2023
What to Taste
Almond and squash queijadas (cheese cakes) and the traditional Fatias de Tomar (Tomar slices) made with just egg yolks and cooked in a bain-marie
You may also like to see
Almourol Castle
In the riverside town of Vila Nova da Barquinha, in the middle of the Tagus River on a small steep island you will find the castle of Almourol
The castle of Almourol was used by the Templar Knights as a military fort through which they sought to guarantee the dominion of the border in the wars between the Christians and the Moors of North Africa.
The castle may be visited by catching a boat at Cais D’El Rei in Tancos.
Castelo de Bode Dam
About 14 kms from Tomar lies the lagoon of the Castelo de Bode dam, which captures the water to supply Lisbon, and whose islets and banks are covered with pine groves. There are ideal places here to spend some holiday time in contact with Nature as well as indulging in various sports
Personalities related to Tomar
Gualdim Pais
Gualdim Pais was the faithful companion of D. Afonso Henriques. Nine years younger, he fought alongside him in the battles against the Moors during the period of Portugal’s expansion. He later left for Jerusalem, where he fought for 5 years under the banner of the Order of the Templars, distinguishing himself as a noble knight. Returning to Portugal, D. Afonso Henriques awarded him the Order of the Templars of which he became GrandMaster in 1157.
Gualdim Pais transfers the Order of the Templars to Tomar, where he founded the Castle and Convent of Christ. Fortifies the entire Tagus line up to the border with Spain, strengthening the Castle of Pombal, the castle of Idanha and the castle of Monsanto.
Hero of the siege of Tomar, in 1190, in which nine hundred Arab soldiers surrounded Tomar Castle. It was this battle that quenched the counterattack of the Arabs who, coming from the Algarve, made the Portuguese retreat to the Tagus River. Inside, Gualdim Pais commanded about two hundred Portuguese soldiers who stoically held the fort for six days. The Arabs still managed to get through Almedina’s door; however, the knights managed to repel the attack, but the combat was so violent that Almedina’s door was renamed the Blood Gate. Gualdim Pais passed away five years later at the age of 77
How to get to Tomar
Information on how to get to Tomar on the map below
The fastest route is by car however public transports such as trains and buses are available.
What to visit in Tomar: Handpicked Tours
We use affiliate links which means we get a small commission if you book through them. This does not in any way affect the end price but helps us keep this site updated. We selected what to visit in Tomar and the experiences we believe to be the most relevant and with an insider’s knowledge.
Enjoy Portugal with holiday-active.com and make the most of your holidays in Tomar
What to visit in Tomar, home to the Knights Templar
Your perfect accommodation in Tomar
Where to stay in Tomar? Our Suggestions
Casa dos Ofícios Hotel
A secular house in the centre of Tomar that has kept its original features. The 14 rooms are decorated with tools from the various trades such as carpenter, blacksmith, potter and shoemaker. The furniture combines classic and modern.
Flattered to be in Tomar
Located in the heart of the City, one step away from the Nabão river and overlooking the Convent of Christ.
With contemporary design pieces but respecting the building’s history, you will find comfortable renovated apartments with kitchenettes and a balcony.
A glimpse of Tomar
What to visit in Tomar, home to the Knights Templar