Tomar: The Complete Guide

Tomar is a charming city known for its rich artistic and cultural heritage, with the Convent of Christ being one of the most impressive examples of Portuguese Renaissance architecture. A visit to the city is not complete without exploring the Templar castle and the Convent of Christ, which includes the oldest part of the complex – the Charola (Rotunda) – built in the 12th century. The complex was renovated in the 16th century and given its current architectural splendour, which earned it World Heritage Site status. Take the time to explore the intricate details of the Convent, such as the Renaissance portal, the Manueline Window in the Chapter Hall, the Main Cloister, and the spaces connected to Templar rituals.

To fully understand the city’s history, it is important to know how the Order of the Knights Templar became the Order of Christ, and the role of important figures such as Henry the Navigator. After exploring the Convent, take a stroll through the Sete Montes Woods to reach the historic centre. Here you can visit the oldest mediaeval urban area, with a convent at each end, and enjoy traditional shops and cafes.

Other notable attractions in the city include the Convent of São Francisco, which houses the Match Museum, the former Convent of Anunciada, and the Convent of Santa Iria. The city also has a rich Jewish history, with the old Synagogue now home to the Abraão Zacuto Luso-Hebrew Museum. The Centre for Contemporary Art and Mouchão Park are also worth a visit.

Tomar is not only a city of great cultural significance but also offers nearby attractions such as Castelo de Bode, one of the largest reservoirs in the country, and Almourol Castle on the River Tagus.

History of Tomar

Tomar, a historically rich town in Central Portugal, has a profound legacy dating back to the 12th century. Its history is deeply intertwined with the Knights Templar, the Reconquista, and the subsequent Order of Christ that played a pivotal role during the Age of Discoveries.

Founding and the Knights Templar

Tomar was established in 1160 by Gualdim Pais, the Grand Master of the Knights Templar, a Christian military order formed during the Crusades. The Templars were granted this land by the first King of Portugal, Dom Afonso Henriques, following their vital role in reconquering the territory from Moorish rule. The town was strategically important due to its location near the northern border of the Portuguese territories, which were still threatened by the Moors to the south.

The Templars built a castle in Tomar, which served as a defense outpost and their headquarters. Around this castle, the town developed, flourishing due to the order’s management and the security it provided. The Convent of Christ in Tomar, originally a Templar stronghold, is one of the most significant Templar constructions in Europe, known for its architectural beauty and the famous Charola, the Templar’s oratory.

Transition to the Order of Christ

In 1314, under pressure from King Philip IV of France, Pope Clement V dissolved the Knights Templar. However, in Portugal, King Dinis negotiated with the Pope to establish the Order of Christ, essentially a continuation of the Templars under a new name, which received all the Templars’ assets and properties. The Order of Christ made Tomar its headquarters in 1357, and the town continued to prosper under its influence.

Age of Discoveries

During the 15th and 16th centuries, the Order of Christ, with Prince Henry the Navigator as its Grand Master, played a crucial role in Portugal’s Age of Discoveries. The order funded many voyages, including those to West Africa, and the profits from these ventures led to further development in Tomar. The Convent of Christ was expanded and elaborately decorated, reflecting the wealth and power of the order during this period.

Modern Era

After the suppression of religious orders in Portugal in the 19th century, the Convent of Christ was closed as a religious institution. However, its historical and architectural significance, especially its connection to the Templars and the Manueline style of architecture, led to its preservation. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Portugal’s most visited monuments.

Tomar itself has retained much of its medieval charm, with cobbled streets, traditional houses, and historic churches. The town hosts the Festa dos Tabuleiros every four years, a tradition that likely has its roots in ancient harvest festivals, which features a procession of women carrying tabuleiros (trays) decorated with bread and flowers on their heads.

Tomar’s history reflects a unique blend of religious military history and pioneering maritime exploration, making it a fascinating town that embodies the rich cultural tapestry of Portugal.

Visiting Tomar for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Tomar on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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This complete guide to Tomar not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Tomar and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

Castelo de Tomar

In 1983, UNESCO recognized the Templar Castle and the Convent of the Knights of Christ in Tomar as a World Heritage Site, highlighting its significance in Western history. This monumental complex, originally a site of Roman worship, spans seven centuries of Portuguese history and encapsulates key events that shaped the Western world. Afonso Henriques, the […]

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Location: Castelo de Tomar, Estrada do Convento, Tomar, Portugal | Distance: 1.2km

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Visiting Castelo de Tomar