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Tomar Templar Castle

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Tomar Templar Castle (Portugal)

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The Convent of Christ in Tomar was originally a 12th-century Templar stronghold, serving as the headquarters of the Order of the Knights Templar in Portugal. After the order was dissolved in the 14th century, it became the seat of the Order of Christ, which played a crucial role in the Portuguese maritime discoveries. The complex is a palimpsest of architectural styles, most notably the unique 12th-century 'charola' or round church, modeled after the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Another world-famous feature is the Chapter House window, a masterpiece of Manueline decoration featuring corals, ropes, and seaweed carved into stone. This window, created by Diogo de Arruda between 1510 and 1513, symbolizes Portugal's link to the sea and the discoveries. The vast complex includes seven cloisters and reflects the wealth and spiritual power of the military orders during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. UNESCO added it to the World Heritage list in 1983.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C91012141720222221171210
Rain mm846371644218610329410076

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Tomar Templar Castle is open to visitors, covering both the inner courtyard and the chapel. You can explore the impressive fortifications and the distinctive round Charola church from inside.
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Typical hours
The castle is typically open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with shorter hours in winter. It is advisable to check the current schedule before your visit.
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Photography
Photography is allowed in most areas, but no flash in the Charola chapel. For interior shots of frescoes and architectural details, tripods are not permitted.
⏱️
Time needed
Allow at least two hours to tour the castle complex and the Charola. For a more thorough visit including the surrounding gardens and convent, half a day is recommended.
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Combine with
Combine your visit with the nearby Convent of Christ (Convento de Cristo), also a UNESCO site. Tomar's old town with its narrow streets is first-rate for a stroll.
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Getting there
Tomar is well connected by train from Lisbon; the journey takes about 90 minutes. From the station, it's a 20-minute uphill walk to the castle, or you can take a taxi.
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Insider tip
Arrive early in the morning to experience the castle before the tourist crowds. Wear sturdy footwear as the paths and steps within the castle can be uneven.

Geography

Coordinates
39.60400, -8.42000

Facts

  • The Templar Castle of Tomar was founded by Gualdim Pais in 1160.
  • The 'charola' is an 16-sided polygonal round church from the 12th century.
  • The Chapter House window was carved by Diogo de Arruda around 1510.
  • The main cloister, or Great Cloister, was completed in the 16th century.
  • The complex was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983.
  • Tomar was the last headquarters of the Knights Templar in Portugal.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

TomarTomar<1 km · EExplore →
Convent of ChristConvent of Christ<1 km · WExplore →
Songo Songo Gas FieldSongo Songo Gas Field13 km · SWExplore →
OurémOurém15 km · NWExplore →
Almourol CastleAlmourol Castle16 km · SExplore →
ConstânciaConstância16 km · SEExplore →
EntroncamentoEntroncamento16 km · SExplore →
Torres NovasTorres Novas17 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Tomar Templar Castle (10)

Convent of Christ⛪ monastery

Former Templar monastery in Tomar, Portugal, now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

🕒 Mo-Su 09:00-18:30; Oct-May Mo-Su 09:00-17:30; Jan 1 off; May💶

Janela do Capítulo

Ornate window of the Convent of Christ in Tomar, Portugal.

Charola

Round church in Tomar, Portugal, built by the Knights Templar.

Casa Incompleta do Capítulo

Unfinished chapter house of the Convent of Christ in Tomar.

Cerca do Convento de Cristo

Cultural heritage monument in Tomar, Portugal, enclosing the convent garden.

Paço do Infante

Ruins of the palace of Prince Henry the Navigator in Tomar.

Castelo de Tomar🏰 castle

Castle in Tomar, Portugal, seat of the Templar order.

Cerca da Mata Nacional dos Sete Montes

National forest park on seven hills near Tomar.

Museu Municipal - Galeria dos Paços do Concelho🏛 museum

Municipal museum in the former town hall chambers of Tomar.

Câmara Municipal de Tomar

Town hall of the city of Tomar in Portugal.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the most famous window in Tomar?
The Manueline window of the Chapter House is world-famous for its exuberant maritime-themed carvings.
Who lived in the castle?
The castle was the headquarters of the Knights Templar and later the Order of Christ in Portugal.
What is the Charola?
It is a magnificent, 16-sided round church inside, modeled after the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
Is the site accessible?
Due to the historical structure and many stairs, accessibility for wheelchair users is very limited.
How long does a tour take?
You should set aside about 2 hours to explore the castle and the convent complex.
Tomar Templar Castle: where is it located?
Tomar Templar Castle is located in Portugal, Portugal.
Tomar Templar Castle: what is there to see?
Highlights include Convent of Christ, Janela do Capítulo, Charola.
Tomar Templar Castle: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Tomar Templar Castle: why is it worth visiting?
The Convent of Christ in Tomar was originally a 12th-century Templar stronghold, serving as the headquarters of the Order of the Knights Templar in Portugal.
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