Convent of Christ, Tomar, Portugal

The origin of Tomar Castle is closely linked to the beginning of the Portuguese kingdom and the knights Templar, that took an active role in the formation of the new kingdom. Following the extinction of the Order, King D. Dinis, wishing to keep the Knights Templar and their assets under an Order circumscribed to his kingdom, established the Order of Christ in 1319.
In 1420 the Master of the Order of Christ, Henry the Navigator, transformed the existing military house into a convent. At the beginning of the 16th century, under king Manuel I the convent was extended and decorated in the characteristic Manueline style, which evokes the Age of Discoveries. The convent was finished, with the construction of the 6 km long aqueduct, under Philip I (II of Spain).

Opening hours: Oct-May 9h00 to 17h00 (18h00 Jun-Sep). Closed on Jan 1, Easter Sunday, May 1 and Dec 25.
Entrance fee: €6
How to get there: You can take the train from Lisbon or Oporto. Direct train from Lisbon takes under 2 hours and costs about €10, one way (Train timetable).


Back to Tomar








Local: 2300 Tomar, Portugal

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