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Introducing Tomar
In itself, Tomar is a town of great charm, with cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, fine squares and an invitingly leafy riverfront. In addition, the town abuts the lush Mata Nacional dos Sete Montes (Seven Hills National Forest), and the neighbouring countryside is particularly charming, especially alongside the Castelo de Bode reservoir. But what makes Tomar extraordinary – and an inextricable part of Portuguese history – is the Convento de Cristo, the hilltop headquarters of the legendary Knights Templar. A Unesco World Heritage site, this castle-cum-monastery is a rambling concoction of Gothic, Manueline and Renaissance architecture that offers extravagant proof of the vital role the Templars played in the foundation of the Portuguese kingdom.
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Last updated: Mar 2, 2009
