Tomar & Knights Templar

Journey back in time and discover the history of the Knights Templar in Portugal, whilst supporting this local, rural community on this private tour. Tomar was established as the religious centre for the Knights Templar by the Grand Master Gualdim Pais in 1160. It is a charming and unique town, located in the center of the country, and surrounded by forests, fields, and other charming rural towns. It is exceptionally pretty, with beautiful tiled pavements, quaint squares, narrow cobbled walkways and beautiful parks and gardens. In Tomar´s design of the town, nothing was left to chance. The oldest urban area is organized in a cross, with a convent at each end and oriented by the cardinal points. The centre is starred by the Praça da República. You will start your day just outside of Tomar and visit the astonishing medieval Almourol Castle by boat, set on a small island in the River Tagus. The most uniquely positioned castle in Portugal! You will discover this medieval fort via a relaxing boat ride. A fantastic monument and memory of the Knights Templar in Portugal. Then it’s on to the 12th century Knights Templar city of Tomar. Here you will eat in a Medieval Tavern, explore the streets of the city and discover more history of the Knights Templar including the Igreja de São João Baptista: a 15th century church is known for its exuberant sculpture and intricate stonework. You will end the tour at the imposing Order of Christ and the awesome and vast complex of Convent of Christ. Both the castle and convent were the headquarters of the Knights Templar until 1314 and of the Order of Christ from 1357 onwards. Nowadays, the building itself can be considered a museum of the different architectural styles of Portuguese history: Romanic, Gothic, Manueline and Renaissance. Classic Portugal is a certified and licensed Turismo de Portugal agency with the Clean and Safe seal. Your health is our priority. We have set protocols in regards to Covid19 on this private tour including all guides vaccinated, transportation sanitised regularly and masks and sanitiser available for customers. Be sure you check out the Classic Portugal blog. If you like this tour you may also be interested in Monsaraz & Evora & Fatima, Nazare, Alcobaça & Obidos.