Self-Guided Tour: How to Spend One Day in Tomar
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Tomar is a small but fascinating town in Portugal that attracts the attention of thousands of tourists every year. Located in the heart of the country, Tomar is more than just a place, it is a window into Portugal’s history and culture. With its many memorable places, a day tour of Tomar is a unique experience, and we are happy to guide you through the most interesting of them.
The History of Tomar
In the middle of the 12th century, the Knights Templar, who took an active part in the expulsion of the Moors from Portugal, was granted the land between the Tagus and Mondego rivers. The knights built a fortress on the hill, around which later grew the city of Tomar. The founder of the residence was Gualdin Pais, the first Grand Master of the Templar Order in Portugal.
In 1190, the fortress withstood a siege by the Moors led by Yaqub al-Mansur. The Templars built several more castles, including Almourol, built on a small island on the Tagus River 20 kilometers from Tomar.
The Order became rich, and its power grew, creating a disturbance for the Church. In 1312 Pope Clement V accused the Knights of heresy and dissolved the Order. However, in 1318, King Dinis I of Portugal reorganized the order, creating the Order of Christ, to which the Templars’ lands, fortresses, and wealth were transferred. In 1347, Tomar became the seat of the Grand Master.
In the early 16th century, when King Manuel I became Grand Master, he transformed the fortress of Tomar into a luxurious castle. Nowadays, tours to Tomar allow touching the history of chivalry and remember the history of the Templars and the Order of Christ.
Igreja de São João Batista (Chapel of Saint John the Baptist)
The Church of St. John the Baptist in Tomar has a rich history connected with the creation of the town and important historical events. The construction of the original church is attributed to D. Gualdim Pais, who was working on the castle and the town at the time. The dates of the foundation of the church are not known exactly, but it is believed to have been created in the early 15th century. In the 1430s, reconstruction of the church began under Prince Henry the Navigator, but the main works took place during the reign of King Manuel I, which began in 1467.
The Church of St. John the Baptist has a rectangular plan and consists of three naves. Its architectural ensemble includes a tower with a bell tower, on which there is a 16th-century clock. The symbolism of King Manuel I is present in the details of the church, such as the royal coat of arms, the armillary sphere, and the cross of Christ.
From the outside, the church stands out for its architecture, including the main portal in Gothic style, as well as the portals of the north and south facades, which may be remnants of the original construction. Inside, there is a richly carved stone pulpit, 16th-century paintings, and panels by Gregorio Lopes, a prominent Renaissance artist.
The opening hours are from 8 am to 7 pm, except Mondays. Admission is free, but donations are accepted.
The address: R. São João 135, 2300-568 Tomar, Portugal
Tomar Synagogue
The Synagogue of Tomar, built in the mid-15th century, is a unique monument of Jewish religious architecture of the Proto-Renaissance in Portugal. It is another option if you don’t know what to do in Tomar. According to legend, the synagogue was built on the initiative of Prince Henry the Navigator as a sign of gratitude to the Jewish people for their financial support of his maritime expeditions. In its history, the synagogue has undergone several changes. After the expulsion of the Jews from Portugal, King Manuel I turned the building over into a prison, then it was used as a church and warehouse.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the synagogue building was bought, restored, and turned into a Jewish museum, which opened in 1939. The museum displays various artifacts, including books about Jewish history and traditions, as well as tombstones, one of which dates back to 1308.
Today, the Tomar synagogue building remains an important historical monument. The central entrance was renovated in the 21st century and the interior is decorated in the style of medieval architecture. The museum is open daily from 10:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 17:00. Entrance is free of charge.
Address: Rua Doutor Joaquim Jacinto 73, Tomar 2300-577, Portugal.
Castelo do Tomar (Tomar Castle)
Castelo do Tomar, also known as Tomar Castle, is a significant historical monument in the city of Tomar, Portugal. Its history begins in the 12th century when the lands between the Tagus and Mondego rivers were granted to the Templar Order. They built a fortress on a hill, which was the beginning of the castle complex.
In the XIV century, the fortress was given to the Order of Christ, created after the Templar Order was dissolved. Under the leadership of King Manuel I in the early 16th century, the castle was transformed into a luxurious residence that became an example of the Manueline style.
Today Castelo do Tomar is a majestic structure with rich architecture, framed by historical events. Within its walls is a museum where you can learn about the history of the castle and its role in the history of Portugal.
Opening hours depend on the season: from June to September the castle is open from 9:00 to 18:30, and from October to May – from 9:00 to 17:30. The price is 6 euros.
Address: Tomar, Estrada do Convento, 8.
Convent of Christ
The Convent of Christ in Tomar, Portugal, is a magnificent monument of Portuguese history and architecture. Its history begins in the 12th century when the lands between the Tagus and Mondego rivers were granted to the Templar Order. They built a fortress on a hill and began the construction of the monastery in honor of the victory of the Reconquista and the defense of Portuguese lands.
In the 14th century, the Templar Order was dissolved and the lands and buildings of the monastery were given to the newly formed Order of Christ. Under the leadership of King Manuel I, a major reconstruction began in the early 16th century, transforming the monastery into a magnificent Manuelino structure.
Today, the Convent of Christ is an important cultural and tourist center. Its halls are decorated with luxurious stone carvings and magnificent paintings. The monastery church houses many historical artifacts and treasures.
The opening hours of the monastery depend on the season: in summer time it is open daily from 09:00 to 18:30 (entrance until 18:00), and in winter time from 09:00 to 17:30 (entrance until 17:00). On some holidays the monastery is closed. Cost of visit: for adults – €6, for children under 12 years old – free of charge, for pensioners (over 65 years old) – €3. Address: Igreja do Castelo Templário, Tomar, Portugal.
Seven Hills National Park
The Seven Hills National Forest in Tomar is the city’s central park with historical significance and an attractive landscape. Its history dates back to the time when these lands belonged to the Order of Christ until 1834 when religious orders were abolished.
This park, which covers an area of about 39 hectares, is also known as the Christ’s Monastery Fence, as it belonged to the monastery in the past. Today, it has been transformed into an ideal place for walking, sports, outdoor recreation, and picnics.
The park offers a variety of activities including several picnic parks, hiking trails, a children’s playground, and various attractions such as the Environmental Interpretation Center, Charolinha, the olive oil press, and the Cadeira d’El Rey water tank.
The park is organized to meet the needs of all categories of visitors as much as possible: it is open every day from morning to evening. In the summer period from April to October, the park is open from 8:30 to 19:30, with the possibility of the last entry at 19:00. During the winter period from November to March, the operating hours are reduced from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, with the last entry possible at 5:00 pm.
The only days of the year when the park is closed are the holidays: the 1st of January, Easter Sunday, the 1st of May, and Christmas(25th of December). The entrance to the park is free of charge, making it accessible to all who wish to enjoy its beauty and tranquility.
Address: Avenida Dr. Vieira Guimarães 1 2300, Tomar, Portugal.
