Information about Tomar
Tomar is a city in the central Portuguese territory, belonging to the district of Santarém. In geographical terms, the city is crossed by the Nabão River, so that the direct surroundings of the city is constituted as a space of fertile crops associated with the alluvial plains of the river.
The most relevant and iconic monument of Tomar is the Convent of Christ, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983.
The history of Tomar is closely linked to the Order of the Temple. The territory that makes up the current city of Tomar was donated in the Middle Ages to the Order of the Temple by King Alfonso Henriques, as a token of gratitude to the Order for having helped the kingdom in the conquest against the Arabs. The construction of Tomar Castle dates from this period.
Later, after the destruction of the Order of the Temple, the territory would be in the hands of the Order of Christ, from where it would continue to develop as Portugal’s history evolved.
What to see and do in Tomar
Templar Castle and Convent of Christ
This medieval castle, built by the Order of the Temple, served as a line of defence against the Arabs after the capture of the territory during the Reconquest. The castle combines in its construction, elements of Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance architecture.
Inside the castle is the famous Convent of Christ, a temple that has undergone numerous modifications over the years, combining elements of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Mannerist and Manueline style.
The complex has been declared a National Monument and is part of the UNESCO World Heritagenetwork.
Synagogue of Tomar
It is a synagogue built by the Jewish community of Tomar in the 15th century. This building represents one of the best examples of a medieval synagogue in the country. In an adjoining space, you can visit a small Jewish museum.
Nossa Senhora da Conceição Hermitage
This small jewel of Renaissance style is located in the parish of São João Baptista. It was declared a National Monument in 1910.
Pegões Aqueduct
It was built in the 16th century to supply water to the convent of Tomar.
São João Baptista Church
It is the mother church of Tomar. Located in the centre of the city, it was built in the 15th century and modified in the 16th century, being elevated to the category of Collegiate Church. It is developed in late Gothic style, highlighting its beautiful cover of flamboyant flavor.
