The best sights in Tomar
Table of Contents
Tomar is one of the most underrated places in Portugal. The town of 20,000 inhabitants was the birthplace of the brave Templars, of which today tourists are reminded by numerous preserved ancient sights. The city itself is very beautiful and is sure to leave only pleasant memories. Today there are many excursions around the city studying and getting acquainted with the unique monuments.
Where is Tomar?
Tomar Portugal is located in central part of the city, in the Ribatejo region. The distance from the capital Lisbon is 140 km, so you can get here either by train or by intercity buses numbered 3, 23, 27 and 30. Direct trains from Lisbon to Tomar leave almost every hour and the trip takes exactly 2 hours.
What do you have to know about Tomar before visit it
The small village of Tomar became a city thanks to the construction of the residence of the Grand Master of the Portuguese Templar Order, Gualdin Paix, in 1169. The Order consisted of the Tomar Knights Templar whose main goal was to help liberate Portugal from the Moors. In exchange for this favor, the Order was allowed to retain one-third of all lands conquered south of the Tagus.
Convent of Christ (Convento de Cristo)
So, what to do in Tomar Portugal? Tomar’s calling card and main attraction is the Convent of Christ. The architecture of the monastery is characterized by a mixture of Gothic and Renaissance styles. The Monastery of the Convent of Christ is a UNESCO World Heritage Site Tomar and is visited by tourists on guided tours every day of the season.
The Convent of Christ is located on the western edge of Tomar, on top of the hill that dominates the town. The journey by car from the city center will take about 7 minutes, and if you plan to get there on foot, from the central square Praça da República, you will have to walk about 15-20 minutes. To avoid getting lost, you can follow the city signs.
The entrance is open to visitors Monday through Sunday from 9:00 to 18:30 in the summer, and from October through March from 9:00 to 17:30. The last entrance is possible 30 minutes before closing time. The entrance ticket costs 6 euros.
Castle of Tomar (Castelo de Tomar)
The Templar Castle in Tomar became one of the first abodes of the famous military order and the most famous of them all. Its creation started in the XII century around the church, built similar to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem.
The building is located in a 2-minute walk from the main square at the address: Estr. do Convento 8. April is the peak season and the number of tourists is growing every day. In the warm season from 9:00 to 18:30, everyone has a chance to visit the attraction for a fee of €6. From October to March the Tomar castle closes earlier, at 17:30.
Address: Estr. do Convento 8 2300, Tomar, Portugal.
Aqueduct of Pegões
Tomar Aqueduct history is a separate topic for the deep investigation. The structure resembles a bridge with 180 arches, where the length of each one varies from 15 to 30 meters. The Aqueduct of Pegões is 6 km long and is located about 2 km east of the center of Tomar. The entrance to the attraction is free.
Address: Aqueduto do Convento de Cristo, Vale dos Pegões, 2305-203 Tomar, Portugal.
Mata dos Sete Montes
Another historic building that is located on a hill within 1-2 km of the center of Tomar. It used to be a slaughterhouse that served the town and its surroundings, but now it is used for various cultural events and exhibitions. Here you can enjoy nature and also take beautiful pictures. The entrance is completely free and you can only get there by car or on foot. Public transportation does not go there.
Synagogue of Tomar (Sinagoga de Tomar)
The synagogue, built in the 15th century, is the only synagogue in Portugal that has survived from the Middle Ages. It is a small rectangular building with an inconspicuous exterior and four massive columns inside. Interestingly, it is one of the few synagogues in the world that operated in secret even during the persecution of the Jews.
The synagogue is located in the old Jewish quarter of Tomar, close to the main attractions of the city, such as Tomar Portugal Knights Templar Castle. For tourists, the doors of the attraction are open from Monday to Saturday, where you can experience the spiritual grandeur absolutely free of charge.
Municipal Museum (Museu Municipal de Tomar)
For those wondering what to see in tomar portugal, the municipal museum is an ideal opportunity to learn about the history and cultural heritage of the region. The museum is located in the old convent of São João Baptista, built in 1521. The museum is open to the public from 10:00 to 18:00 Tuesday through Sunday. The price of admission varies from 2-4 euros.
Church of São João Baptista
The church was built in Gothic style at the end of the 15th century, during the reign of King Manuel I. Today it is located in the main square of the city, next to the Medieval Castle Tomar.
Address: São João 135 Praça da Republica, Tomar, Portugal.
Praça da República
This central square is a perfect spot for a visit within a one day tour of Tomar. Praça da República covers 350.47 km² and can be reached by any public transportation in the city. There are several cafes and restaurants around the square where you can enjoy the local cuisine, and the place itself is the center of several city events, including festivals and concerts. It is an ideal place to buy souvenirs and take photos.
Address: Praça da República 2300-550, Tomar, Portugal.
