[2025 Tomar Attraction] Travel Guide for Convent of Christ (Updated May)

On our way to Porto, we decided to stop by Tomar to see the 12th century Templar castle & the aqueduct of Pegoes. This is the last castle we will want to see for the year. 🤣 In the center of the 16-sided hall is an octagonal structure that supports the vault and serves as an altar, The Rotondas. "rotondas" of Templar in the center is so different from any church we have ever seen. It is Huge! There are many symbolic meanings in the paintings surrounding the rotondas and they are absolutely stunning. 🏖️Environment/Facilities: No tourists/Hidden gem

As a big fan of the history of the Knights of Templar, visiting the Convent of Christ in Tomar was a huge highlight of my trip to Portugal. The history there is fascinating—this place was once a Templar stronghold, and you can really feel it when you walk through the halls. The circular chapel, with its detailed carvings, was definitely the standout for me. It’s a pretty big site, so wear comfy shoes for all the exploring. I loved the quiet, almost mysterious atmosphere—it felt like stepping into a different time. I had been wanting to see this spot for ages, and it didn’t disappoint. If you’re into history or the Templars, this is a must-visit. #europetrip #portugal #Tomar

The Church of Christ in Tomar was built in the 12th century and took about 500 years to complete. It is a Catholic church building. It was originally built to resist the invasion of Muslims from North Africa. The Church of Christ was originally the base camp of the Knights Templar. It was included in the World Heritage Site in 1983..

Manueline style is a unique architectural style that emerged in Portugal in the late 15th to mid-16th century due to its strong emphasis on developing maritime power, named after the ruling monarch at the time, Manuel I. Its architectural features lie in the twisted cylindrical shape, royal emblem, and intricately decorated window frames, as well as the use of natural imagery such as shells and anchors embedded in stones. The most representative examples include the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon, the Jesus Monastery in Tomar, the Alcobaça Monastery, and the Batalha Monastery. In addition, the influence of Moorish architecture is also a major characteristic of Manueline style, with the Sintra National Palace as its representative building.