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Step into the world of the Knights Templar with a journey through Tomar and Almourol, the heart of Portugal’s medieval military and religious history. The Templars, and later the Order of Christ, played a key role from the founding of the nation through the Age of Discoveries, making Tomar their capital in the Iberian Peninsula. Begin with a boat ride to the magical Almourol Castle, dramatically perched on an island in the Tejo River, rebuilt in 1171 by Grand Master Gualdim Pais. Then explore the charming village of Constância, a peaceful riverside gem surrounded by natural beauty.
In Tomar, discover one of Portugal’s richest historical centers, home to the 15th-century Jewish synagogue, and churches like São João Baptista and Santa Maria do Olival, once the burial place of Templar knights. Visit the Tomar Castle, founded in 1160, and the remarkable Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This grand monastic complex served as the Order of Christ’s headquarters after the Templars’ dissolution and features highlights like the round Charola, the ornate Manueline western window, and the Renaissance main cloister, all echoing the legacy of warrior monks who helped shape a nation.
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The Templars had a major role in battles since the reign of the first Portuguese King (D. Afonso Henriques) until the Discoveries. The Templars, and later on, the “Order of Christ”, settled in Tomar becoming the Templar Capital of Portugal and Spain and one of the most important in the Medieval Era. The Almourol and Tomar castles are perfect examples to understand the mystique of the Templars, men who were simultaneously Warriors, Knights and Monks.
Almourol Castle: This castle was reconstructed in 1171 by the first Portuguese Gran Master Gualdim Pais. Since it was built on an island in the middle of the River Tejo, we will have to take a boat to visit it.
Constância Village: Be amazed with the natural beauty of Constância!
Historic centre of Tomar: One of the historic centres of Portugal with the highest concentration of monuments, especially the churches of ‘São João Baptista’ and of ‘Santa Maria do Olival’ and the ancient 15th Century Jewish synagogue.
Tomar Castle: Founded by the Portuguese Grand Master D. Gualdim Pais, in 1160, to become the headquarters of the religious and military order of the Knights Templars.
Convent of Christ: After the extinction of the Knights Templars in 1312, King Dinis creates a new religious militia the Military Order of Our Lord Jesus Christ, claiming the need to defend Portugal from Islam. The headquarters of the Order of Christ is set up in the former Knights Templars headquarters in 1357 where it will remain for centuries. Regarded as one of the greatest monastic complex in Europe was classified by UNESCO as a world heritage site in 1983. Inside we can see the Charola, the Knights round temple, the unique western window designed in Portuguese late gothic style and the main cloister, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture.”
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PT, EN, ES, FR
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- Transportation by Mercedes Benz van
- The guide will share stories and curiosities about the places visited, as well as its historical context;
- Cold bottled water on board
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Meals and monuments entrance fees not included
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Castelo de Almourol (Passeio de barco) – Vila de Constância – Centro Histórico de Tomar – Castelo de Tomar – Convento da Ordem de Cristo
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Customers have the opportunity to rebook themselves online, or receive a full refund or credit, with 24 hours notice. Customers will also receive a full refund or credit in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us by phone to inquire about cancellations. No-shows will be charged the full price.