Templars in Tomar - Almourol Castle, Convent of Christ & Old Town
About This Experience
Embark on an enriching day tour in Tomar, a town steeped in history and architectural splendor. This itinerary will take you through the most significant historical and cultural sites, including the...
Tomar sits in central Portugal, roughly two hours north of Lisbon and a world away from the Algarve coast. It is a small town built around a single extraordinary fact: it was the headquarters of the Knights Templar in Portugal, and later the Order of Christ, the successor organisation that funded much of Portugal's Age of Discovery. This day tour is built around that legacy, taking in the Convent of Christ, Almourol Castle, the aqueduct, and the old town itself, with a meal at a traditional tavern woven into the itinerary.
The Convent of Christ is the centrepiece, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that began as a Templar fortress in the twelfth century and grew over the following four hundred years into a complex of cloisters, chapels and ceremonial halls. The original Templar church, the Charola, is a sixteen-sided rotunda modelled on the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Later additions include Manueline stonework of astonishing intricacy, particularly the Chapter House window, which is one of the finest examples of the style anywhere in Portugal. You will spend a significant portion of the day here, and rightly so.
Almourol Castle is a different kind of drama: a small fortress on a rocky island in the middle of the Tagus, accessible only by boat. It is one of the most photographed castles in Portugal, and the setting is as much the attraction as the structure itself. The visit is brief, but the image of the crenellated walls rising from the river is worth the detour.
The Aqueduto dos Pegões Altos is a six-kilometre stone aqueduct built in the late sixteenth century to supply water to the convent. The section you visit is the tallest, where the arches stride across a valley in a series of tiers. It is an engineering achievement on a scale that still impresses, and a reminder that the Order of Christ had resources to match its ambitions.
The old town of Tomar is compact and walkable, with a grid of narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and a main square lined with cafés. The Igreja de São João Baptista, on the square, has a fine Manueline doorway and azulejo-lined interior. The gastronomic experience mentioned is at Taverna Antiqua, though the specifics of what is included are not detailed. Expect regional dishes, likely Ribatejo classics such as stone soup, river fish, or roast kid, served in a setting that leans into the town's medieval heritage.
This is a private tour, so the pace and focus can be adjusted to suit your interests. If you are more interested in architecture than history, or vice versa, say so. The duration is given as seven hours, which includes travel time from your Algarve starting point. That makes for a long day, so factor in early starts and late returns.
This suits history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and anyone looking to see a different side of Portugal beyond the coast. It will not suit young children or anyone with limited mobility, as there is a fair amount of walking and stair-climbing involved. Comfortable shoes, sun protection, and a camera are essential. Tomar is cooler than the Algarve, particularly in the mornings and evenings, so bring a layer.
What You'll See
Stop
Nestled on a small islet in the middle of the Tagus River, Castelo de Almourol stands as one of Portugal's most enchanting medieval fortresses. Castelo de Almourol dates back to the 12th century, built during the early years of the Portuguese Reconquista. It was an essential stronghold for the Knights Templar, who played a significant role in the Christian Reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula. The castle's robust walls and strategic position reflect its importance in defending the region against Moorish invasions. It serves as a significant historical monument reflecting the military and architectural advancements of the period. On this first stop we are admiring the views of the Castle, walk around the monument, and if possible take a boat to explore the castle through diferent angles.
Stop
The Church of Santa Maria do Olival is a temple that, in its origin, dates back to the 12th century. The original church was built by the instruction of Gualdim Pais, Master of the Order of the Temple. It was meant to be the final home of the Templar Masters - the Pantheon of the Order of the Temple. Gualdim Pais himself was buried here, as well as Master Gil Martins, first Master of the new Order of Christ. Currently, the tombstone of Gualdim Pais is on the wall of the second chapel, where his remains were transferred. The present Church was built later, in the middle of the 13th century. Its well-defined Gothic style immediately stood out in the panorama of national Gothic architecture. It served as a model for the Church of São João Baptista and for other representative churches of the end of the Portuguese Gothic period and during the Age of Discoveries became the parish church with jurisdiction over all overseas churches of the Discoveries territories.
Stop
The historical center of Tomar is a captivating blend of rich history, architectural marvels, and charming streets. Known for its deep connections with the Knights Templar, Tomar offers visitors a unique glimpse into Portugal's medieval past, all set within a picturesque riverside town which was founded in the 12th century by Gualdim Pais, a Grand Master of the Knights Templar. The town quickly became a significant center of Templar activity and later, the Order of Christ. Its historical center reflects this illustrious past, with numerous landmarks showcasing the influence of these powerful orders. We are going to explore this old town streets with its beautiful and tipical portuguese houses until we arrive to the historical center of Tomar where the statue of Gualdim Pais and the Church of São João Batista stands. From here there are a number of interesting points to visit as well as restaurants for having lunch.
Stop
Nestled in the heart of Tomar's historical center, Taverna Antiqua offers a dining experience that transports you back to medieval times. Taverna Antiqua is designed to immerse guests in the medieval atmosphere of Tomar. The interior features rustic wooden furniture, candle-lit tables, and historical artifacts that create an authentic and cozy setting. The staff, dressed in period costumes, enhance the experience. The Menu is based on old medieval recipes and foods available back in the medieval ages. This is a great option for lunch if you wish to immerse yourself in the medieval atmosphere of the town!
And 4 more stops...
What's Included
Included
- Private transportation
- All mandatory insurance according to Portuguese law
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Entrace Tickets for Almourol Castle + Convent of Christ
- Local Tour Guide and Driver
- Pick-up and Drop-off at Accommodation
Not Included
- Lunch or Snacks
- Gratuities/tips
Book This Experience
Book via Viator
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
About the Operator
Grand Ventours
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