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
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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Re: Estremadura/Coimbra or Alentejo?
by newfoundland2 15 May 2012
megaera, seems you have made up your mind to skip Coimbra this time. I have been to both areas of Portugal (getting read to head back…
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Estremadura/Coimbra or Alentejo?
by megaera 13 May 2012
We will be in Portugal for 15 days in early June. We plan to spend 5 days in Lisbon and Sintra, and 4 days in and around Setubal and Sesimbr…
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RE: North or South
by biebdab 30 April 2012
Having visited Portugal some 10 times, and planning for next trip, I would - considering your interests - prefer the North of the country,…
