tomar templar tour

Founded in the 10th century, the Order of the Poor Knights of Christ and the Temple of Solomon, commonly known as the Templars, played a key role in the Crusades and battles for the conquest of Portuguese territory.

Having received several manors and properties from D. Afonso Henriques, he left us a vast and rich historical legacy, especially north of the Tejo River, where he developed a unique and effective fortified defense system.

It is in this region that we center our Historic Templar Route, visiting Tomar, Almourol, and Santarém.

Tomar

On this tour, we will visit Tomar and the Santa Maria dos Olivais Church. Built in the 12th century, it served as a pantheon where the Grand Masters of the Order were buried. Later, it was elevated to Order of Christ Cathedral, having under its purview all the churches in the territories found in Africa, Asia, and America.

Departing to discover the historic center of the city, we highlight the São João Baptista Church and the Republic Square with the statue of the founder of the city, Gualdim Pais. Here, you will learn a little more about the life and history of this picturesque city.

Going up, we will reach the Templar Castle and Christ Convent. This monumental complex, begun in 1160, spans the entire period of the Templar presence in our country and was the central command point of the fortified defense system, made up of several castles and watchtowers.

In the 15th century, the Order of Christ reused and modernized the old castle, creating one of the most intriguing and mysterious national monuments, the Christ Convent, classified in 1983 as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, attracting the visitors to admire the misterious Charola, an one of a kind altar.