2 hour(s) 45 minute(s)
English
Included
€ 195
€ 179.40
Free cancellation and unlimited rescheduling leads to total flexibility while you plan your travels
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Embark on a captivating journey through the storied streets of Tomar, a town steeped in history and cultural significance. This enchanting destination offers a unique blend of medieval architecture, spiritual heritage, and historical intrigue.
At the heart of Tomar lies the magnificent Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that once served as the headquarters of the Knights Templar in Portugal. As you wander through its imposing halls and cloisters, you'll be transported back to the era of these legendary knights. Explore the impressive Charterhouse, admire the intricate Manueline architecture, and delve into the fascinating history of the Order of Christ, the successor to the Knights Templar.
Beyond the Templar legacy, Tomar also boasts a rich Jewish heritage. Discover the hidden Jewish quarter, a testament to the vibrant Jewish community that once thrived in the city. Explore the narrow, winding streets, and imagine the lives of the Jewish people who called Tomar home. Visit the synagogue, a remarkable example of medieval Jewish architecture, and gain insights into the cultural and religious practices of the Jewish community.
A guided tour of Tomar offers an unparalleled opportunity to uncover the secrets of this historic town. With an expert guide, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the Templar Knights, the Jewish community, and the enduring legacy they have left on Tomar. Whether you're a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or simply seeking an unforgettable experience, Tomar promises to captivate and inspire.
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Very interesting museum, shows the importance of the building to the Order of Christ. Quite an affordable stop as well, with children being half the price. Strongly recommended.
It’s stunning and spectacular! The space is huge and the arty decoration is phenomenal! It’s way more worth for a visit than Belem. Even though Tomar is a bit far, but the town is lovely so I’d recommend to plan a day trip here.
The Convento de Cristo in Tomar is one of those places that feel suspended in time, a stone labyrinth where the echoes of the Knights Templar still linger. Originally built as the headquarters of the Templars in Portugal, it later became the home of the Order of Christ, carrying that same air of mystery and quiet power. The main church, the Charola is extraordinary, its circular design was inspired by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, a direct architectural link between Portugal and the Holy Land. Inside, the space glows with medieval frescoes, gold leaf, and a sense of sacred geometry that feels spiritual and beautiful. The rest of the convent unfolds like a dream of stone, cloisters upon cloisters, Manueline windows crawling with rope and coral motifs, and corridors that seem to hum with history. You can almost imagine the Templar knights walking through at dusk, the weight of centuries in their silence. It’s not just a monument; it’s a story carved in limestone, blending faith, art, and mystery. Whether you’re drawn by history or atmosphere, Convento de Cristo is one of the most powerful and beautiful places in Portugal. Well worth the visit when in Tomar.
I was wrong when I thought Tomar was a small town! The city is definitely worth a visit for its historical beauty and Templar influence, especially if you visit during the medieval festival season. As for the Convent of Christ, it's a visit that can take more than two hours; the building is quite large, and together with the castle, you can easily spend an entire day visiting it. In addition to the impressive architecture, you can enjoy an exhibition on medieval clothing, there are countless spaces to take an immense number of artistic photographs, and the light there is wonderful. It also has gardens and is pet-friendly. The service at the entrance is fast, you can use the 52-pass for Portuguese residents with your NIF, and of course, there's a 50% discount for those over 65 (general admission €15). I encourage you to visit the souvenir shop inside because it has very good prices, compared to the shop at the exit. They also have a cafe inside, which I enjoyed more than the one outside the building. Definitely a must visit in Portugal!
Beautiful place, enormous building, rich history. Parking is somewhat limited, we parked at a second parking lot a bit further from the castle, but had to return early because we only paid for 3h of parking and didn't want to get a ticket. First reason for deducting 1 star: signalisation could be better, a toilet stop in the middle would be useful because it took a while to walk all the way from the middle to the end (not yet realizing how massive the place is) and even more time to get back to my family because it can be a maze of corridors, rooms and stairs. Second reason: we ate a pizza at the restaurant near the end and, while it was not bad, we paid more for that pizza (17.5€ each) than we did for any other food during our entire 9-day stay in Portugal, including a fancy restaurant. Finally, a minor remark: the place is far from accessible to wheelchairs or strollers, there are stairs everywhere. I'm not deducting stars for that because it would ruin the place to build elevators everywhere, but people need to know before they plan a visit.
