Visit Convento de Cristo
Table of Contents
Welcome to Tomar, a historic city that offers entertainment for all tastes. Features of its cultural heritage are the famous Convento de Сristo. This monastery not only represents historical value but also impresses with its architecture. In Tomar, everyone will find something to do – whether it is acquaintance with the rich history or just a pleasant pastime in cozy cafes and restaurants.
Tourist Information
Convento de Cristo, located in Tomar, is one of Portugal’s most fascinating historical sites. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this monastery is not only an architectural marvel but also a place with a rich history linked to the Knights Templar.
Convento de Cristo is a majestic complex that began its history as a fortress and headquarters of the Knights Templar in the 12th century. The castle, overlooking the Nabao River, is striking in its architecture, which incorporates elements of Romanesque, Gothic and Manueline styles.
The interior of Convento de Cristo epitomizes the grandeur and richness of history. Here you will find halls decorated with luxurious frescoes, medieval monks’ quarters, as well as chapels with exquisite decorative elements.
The exterior architecture of the Janela Manuelina style monastery is striking with its defensive structures and fortifications that bear witness to its military past. The fortress walls and towers create an unforgettable impression.
The best time to visit Convento de Cristo is during spring and fall when the weather is milder. Avoid visiting during the high tourist season to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more tranquil atmosphere.
Tips for travelers:
- Book tickets online in advance to avoid long lines.
- Attend a guided tour to get a deeper understanding of the monastery’s history and significance.
- Prepare for a long walk around the grounds of the monastery as it is large in size and contains many interesting objects. Also, comfortable shoes are required.
Near Convento de Cristo there are cozy restaurants and cafes in Tomar, where you can enjoy Portuguese cuisine and relax after visiting the attraction.
Convento de Cristo is not only a historical structure, but also a real artefact of time, which will surely amaze you with its splendor and importance in the history of Portugal.
Interesting Facts
Interesting facts about Convento de Cristo:
- Centuries-old history: Built in 1160 as a fortress and headquarters of the Knights Templar, Convento de Cristo has more than seven hundred years of history. It is a symbol of Portugal’s historical development and cultural heritage.
- Monastery and Castle: Over time, the castle was transformed into a monastery, becoming one of the most important places of religious practice in Portugal. Its architectural style combines elements of Romanesque, Gothic and Manueline styles.
- World Heritage: Convento de Cristo was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1983 along with other monuments of Tomar. This recognition emphasizes its historical and cultural significance.
- Connection with the Knights Templar: The Convento de Cristo has deep ties with the Knights Templar, who played an important role in the history of Portugal. Their influence is reflected in the architecture and general atmosphere of the monastery.
- Time Travel: A visit to the Convento de Cristo is a real time travel experience, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the medieval atmosphere and imagine themselves as part of historical events.
Nearby attractions:
In addition to Convento de Cristo, Tomar offers many other attractions to visit. These include the Old Town of Tomar, the Almourol Castle and the ruins of the Castelo de Tomar fortress.
Open Hours
Convento de Cristo is open to the public daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. This means that visitors can come and start their journey through the monastery at any time within the specified opening hours.
However, it is important to keep in mind that the last entrance to the monastery is usually some time before closing time so that visitors have enough time to see all the interesting sites. It is best to check the current opening hours in advance to avoid misunderstandings or schedule changes.
Tickets
The Convento de Cristo tickets cost €6 for adults, children under 12 can visit for free and pensioners over 65 pay €3. The monastery also has a souvenir store where you can buy gifts and souvenirs.
Address
Address: Igreja do Castelo dos Templários, Tomar, 2300-000, Portugal.
How to get to Convento de Cristo
To get to Convento de Cristo, you can use different means of transportation:
By Car
From Lisbon, take the roads A1 → A23 → N110 or A13. The trip will take approximately one and a half to two hours. Please note that some parts of the road are subject to tolls. Parking (paid) is available both near the monastery and in the center of Tomar.
By Public Transportation
- By train from Lisbon. Trains leave from Santa Apolonia station between 6 am and 11 pm once or twice an hour. Travel time is approximately two hours and tickets range from €10 to €25.
- By Rede Expressos bus from Lisbon. Buses leave from Sete Rios station between 7 am and 9 pm seven times a day. The trip takes approximately two hours and the ticket costs €10.
After arriving at the station in Tomaré, you will have to walk to the monastery, a distance of about 1.5 km.
