1. Introduction: Get to Know More About Tomar and The Templars
Tomar is a city where history and legend intertwine, creating an atmosphere that takes you back in time. Located by the River Nabão, its origins date back to Roman and Visigoth times, but it was the arrival of the Templars in the 12th century that moulded the city’s identity.
Founded in 1160 by the Templar master Gualdim Pais, Tomar Castle still dominates the landscape, a reminder of its strategic and spiritual importance. Nearby, the Church of St. Maria do Olival, once the pantheon of the Templars of Portugal, houses the tomb of Gualdim Pais and echoes the city’s medieval past.
Beyond its history, Tomar is a place of myths and natural beauty. The River Nabão is linked to the legend of Santa Iria, a young nun whose tragic fate gave the river its name. Walking through the city’s streets, between historic squares and old buildings, you can feel the spirit of this Templar city.
The rise of the Templars was meteoric, but so was their fall. Once the most powerful military order in Europe, they were dissolved in 1312, accused of heresy and conspiracy. Yet, in Portugal, their spirit endured. King Dinis [the 6th King of Portugal], unwilling to lose the expertise of these legendary knights, transformed them into a new order, the Order of Christ, ensuring that their legacy lived on…
So, are you ready to follow the path of the Templars?
2. Walking in the Footsteps of the Templars: Four Places You Cannot Miss
Castle of Tomar (or of The Templars):
Perched high on a hill, overlooking the city and the River Nabão, the Castle of Tomar stands as a silent guardian of Portugal’s Templar past. More than just a fortress, this was the heart [headquarters] of the Order of the Templars in Portugal, a place where the knights prayed, strategized, and defended their land. Walking through its gates is like stepping back into a time of crusades, secret brotherhoods, and legends that have stood the test of time.
Built in 1160 under the command of Gualdim Pais, the Grand Master of the Templars in Portugal, this castle was not just a stronghold—it was a statement. It introduced military innovations never seen before in Portugal, inspired by defensive techniques from the Middle East. The sloped walls (alambor) made enemy attacks difficult, while the massive keep at the centre of the fortress served as the ultimate last stand in times of siege. Wander through its stone corridors, and you will find inscriptions carved into the walls, echoes from the past left by the very knights who once ruled here.
As you walk through the Castle of Tomar, imagine the footsteps of knights in heavy armour, the clang of swords, and the hushed whispers of secret councils. This is not just a historical site; it is a portal to a time of faith, mystery, and legend
Convent of Christ:
The story of the Convent of Christ begins in 1160, when the Knights Templar chose Tomar as their headquarters in Portugal. Within the castle walls, they built their sacred oratory, the Charola (Ambulatory), an octagonal temple said to be inspired by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. This was their private place of worship, where they gathered before battle, their prayers echoing off the richly decorated walls. Even today, stepping inside the Charola feels like entering another world, one filled with golden light, towering arches, and an aura of devotion.
Under King Manuel I, the convent was expanded, its halls and chapels adorned with extravagant Manueline (Portuguese decorative style) carvings celebrating Portugal’s Age of Discovery. Nowhere is this more visible than in the famous Chapter Window [Janela do Capitulo], a masterpiece of twisted ropes, corals, and maritime motifs that seem to pull the past into the present.
But beyond its breathtaking architecture, there are legends that revolve around the Convent of Christ. Some say that there are still tunnels hidden beneath its foundations, once used by the Knights Templar to transport secret treasures. Others believe that the symbols of Freemasons and alchemists are woven into its intricate designs, whispering of ancient knowledge lost to time.
Maybe this is where the mysterious treasure of the templars is hidden.
Are you ready to unlock the secrets of this Convent?
Church of St. Maria do Olival:
Away from the fortress walls and hidden among the quiet streets of Tomar, Santa Maria do Olival stands as a silent guardian of Templar history.
Built in the 12th century over an ancient Benedictine monastery, Santa Maria do Olival became the final resting place of the Templar masters. Unlike the imposing Convent of Christ, this church offers a different kind of grandeur, one of quiet reverence and mystery.
Positioned on the opposite bank of the Nabão River, directly aligned with the Templar Castle, its location was no coincidence. This sacred alignment reflected the deep connection between the knights’ military power and spiritual devotion. Later, in the 15th century, the church was granted special status, becoming the “Mother Church” for Portuguese overseas territories in Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
As you enter, the past whispers through its Gothic arches and ancient tombs. Sunlight filters through delicate windows, casting shimmering patterns on the stone walls, where traces of Renaissance and Manueline details can still be found. The watchtower, once used as a defensive lookout, is said to be connected by hidden tunnels leading to the Convent of Christ… perhaps part of the many mysteries surrounding the Knights Templar.
Castle of Almoroul:
Rising from a rocky island in the middle of the Tagus River, Almourol Castle is a place where many won’t ever forget. To get there, you’ll embark on a panoramic boat trip, gliding over the sparkling waters of the river, while the imposing fortress looms in the distance, a sight that seems like stepping into a medieval tale.
Although the Romans and Moors once occupied this strategic island, the castle as we know it today took shape in 1171, under the guidance of the Templars, who transformed it into a vital defensive stronghold. Perched on its rocky throne, the castle features mighty walls, ten watchtowers, and an imposing keep, all designed to guard the borderlands and protect those who travelled along the river.
Some say buried treasures remain hidden beneath its stones, while others speak of a ghostly Moorish princess, whose sorrowful whispers can still be heard on quiet nights. Whether these stories are true or not, there is no denying the mystical aura that surrounds the fortress.
As you climb its ancient steps and gaze from its towers, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Tagus and the lush landscapes beyond.
For those following the path of the Knights Templar, a visit to Almourol is an absolute must. Whether for its history, its legends, or simply the magic of the journey, this is a fortress that will stay with you long after you’ve left its walls behind.
3. Best Times to Visit Tomar: When The Magic is Strongest
March to June: Spring Awakens the City
As nature blooms, Tomar transforms into a green paradise. The weather is mild, perfect for wandering through the Convent of Christ, strolling along the Nabão River, or enjoying a quiet moment in the Mouchão Park. With fewer visitours, this is the ideal season to fully appreciate the city’s historical sites and mystical aura without the summer crowds.
July: The Ultimate Time Travel Experience
If you want to see Tomar at its most spectacular, visit during one of its iconic festivals:
Festa dos Tabuleiros (July 2027) – Held only once every four years, this festival is a one-of-a-kind spectacle in Portugal, filling the streets with a sea of flowers, music, and tradition. Women parade through the city carrying towering trays of bread and flowers on their heads, in an awe-inspiring display of faith and heritage.
Festa Templária (10–13 July 2025) – A true medieval adventure! Tomar returns to the 12th century with historical reenactments, knight tournaments, markets, and Templar-inspired events. This festival is perfect for history lovers, offering a unique way to experience the city’s deep connection to the legendary warrior monks.
4. Beyond The Templars: Other Hidden Gems in Tomar
Church of St John the Baptist
Standing proudly in the heart of Tomar, and built in place of an earlier 12th-century chapel, its elegant architecture, intricate stone-carved pulpit, and beautiful 16th-century paintings make it a must-visit for art lovers. Whether admiring its striking bell tower or stepping inside to soak up the peaceful atmosphere, this church is a perfect blend of history and beauty.
Tomar Synagogue
A true hidden gem, this 15th-century synagogue is the oldest surviving Jewish temple in Portugal. Over the centuries, it has served many purposes, from a prison to a grocery store, before finally becoming the Luso-Hebrew Museum Abraão Zacuto. Today, visitors can explore its simple yet fascinating interior, learn about the Jewish heritage of Tomar, and even interact with multimedia displays that bring its history to life.
Mouchão Park
Need a break from history? Step into nature at Mouchão Park, a lush green oasis in the middle of the Nabão River. Connected to the city by charming pedestrian bridges, this tranquil island is the perfect spot to relax under the shade of towering trees, enjoy a picnic, or let children play freely in the largest playground in Tomar. With its picturesque setting and soothing sounds of the river, it’s the ideal place to slow down and embrace the town’s peaceful side.
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