Visit Charola - Convent of Christ
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Charola is one of the most famous churches in Portugal with a unique atmosphere of history and culture. It’s not just “beautiful” here, every detail of the architecture and furnishings are intertwined with the historical legacy, creating a unique sense of the past. This is a place where you will not only see but also feel history, it seems to come alive in every stone and corner of this monastery.
Tourist Information
Charola, or the Round Church of the Convent of Christ in Tomar, is one of Portugal’s most impressive UNESCO World Heritage sites. Built in the 12th century, it served as a Romanesque church of the Templar order. Its architecture combines Romanesque and Gothic influences, and the interior is decorated with stunning paintings of the 16th century.
The interior of the oldest Templar church is majestic and mysterious. The octagonal space is decorated with altarpieces, frescoes, mouldings and carvings, creating an atmosphere full of historical grandeur. Charola’s central square also impresses with rich decoration in the Manuelino style, a unique Portuguese Gothic style incorporating motifs brought by Portuguese navigators from around the world.
The best time to visit the Convent of Christ is during spring and fall when the weather is moderate and the crowds of tourists are not as dense. Ample time should be taken to view the exceptional interior and exterior details, as well as to learn the historical context and significance of each element of the monastery.
Tips for tourists include purchasing tickets in advance to avoid long lines and using an audio guide or guided tour to gain a deeper understanding of the history and architecture of this amazing place.
Christ Monastery is located in the city of Tomar, Portugal, in the western part of the country. Its location makes it accessible to both individual travelers and those who prefer organized tours.
Interesting Facts
Here are some interesting facts about Charola:
- History of the Order. The famous convent was founded in the 12th century by the Order of the Knights Templar, which was later converted to the new Order of Christ in the late 14th century.
- Unique architecture. The Round Church, built in the 12th century, is one of the most impressive parts of the monastery. Its unusual shape, with sixteen sides on the outside and an octagonal interior, attracts attention for its uniqueness.
- A mixture of styles. The architecture of the Templars convent is a mixture of different styles, including Gothic, Romanesque, Manuelino and Renaissance.
- UNESCO World Heritage listing. The Convent of Christ was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1983 for its historical and architectural value.
- Nearby. In the same town of Tomar, you can also visit the impressive Convento de Cristo with its later facade and the ancient castle of Castelo de Tomar.
Tips for visiting:
- Plan enough time. It is recommended to set aside 3-4 hours to explore the monastery, castle and surrounding area, as it is a large historical structure with many interesting details.
- Check opening hours and prices in advance. Make sure you are familiar with the monastery’s opening hours and ticket prices to avoid unpleasant surprises.
- Entrance through the fortress wall. Note that the entrance to the monastery is through the fortress wall, not the more modern facade.
- Take note of the numerous staircases. If you have knee or mobility issues, keep in mind that visiting the monastery may require extra effort due to the large number of stairs.
When you visit Charola – Convent of Christ, you will be immersed in Portugal’s rich history and enjoy the splendor of its architecture, which has become a symbol of the country’s cultural heritage.
Open Hours
Opening hours for Charola – Convent of Christ in Tomar, Portugal vary depending on the season:
October through May:
- Weekdays: 9:00 to 17:30 (last entry at 17:00).
- Closed: January 1, Easter Sunday, May 1 and December 25.
June through September:
- Weekdays: 9:00 to 18:30 (last admission at 18:00).
- Closed: January 1, Easter Sunday, May 1 and December 25.
These opening hours ensure that you can visit the monastery at convenient times and provide ample time to explore this historic site.
Tickets
Tickets to visit Charola – Convent of Christ in Tomar, Portugal are available at the following prices:
- Individual ticket: €6. This ticket entitles you to visit the Convent of Christ only.
- Combination ticket or Heritage Route (including Alcobaça, Batalha and Convent of Christ): €15. This ticket grants access to several historical sites, including the Convent of Christ, which is a favorable option for those planning to visit several places.
Address
Address: Estrada do Convento Convento de Cristo, Tomar 2300-322 Portugal
How to Get to Charola - Convent of Christ
To reach Charola – Convent of Christ in Tomar, Portugal, you can take the A13 highway. Here are some estimated travel times from different cities:
- From Lisbon: The trip will take about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- From Batalha (with its famous monastery): The drive to Tomar takes approximately 40 minutes.
- From Porto: The trip will take about 2 hours.
Travel to Tomar is relatively convenient from different regions of Portugal, and the location of the A13 highway makes it easy to access this historic site.
