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- English
Step into the world of the Knights Templar on this immersive self-guided walking tour of Tomar. The legendary order didn’t just defend pilgrims—they founded this remarkable city. You’ll explore Praça da República, where Gualdim Pais established Tomar in 1160, visit the Church of Santa Maria do Olival, the final resting place of Templar grand masters, and stroll through the Seven Hills National Forest, once the knights’ agricultural heart. Discover the gripping story of their rise and fall before ending at the imposing Castelo de Tomar, where a brilliant defense helped them defeat Moorish invaders. Along the way, see Portugal’s oldest synagogue, an ancient Arabic waterwheel, and more. Whether you’re a history buff or a curious traveler, this tour brings Tomar’s past to life!
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
The tour begins in the city centre square, by the statue of Gualdim Pais. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.
Itinerary
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(Pass by)
You’ll stand in the heart of Tomar, where the grand statue of Gualdim Pais watches over a square lined with historic buildings, including the 17th-century Town Hall. This plaza has been the city's focal point for centuries, where markets, celebrations, and military parades have shaped Tomar’s identity.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Marvel at this Gothic church, with its simple yet striking façade, was the burial site of the Templar grand masters in Portugal. Built in the 12th century, it also served as a spiritual and administrative center for the Order, reinforcing Tomar’s deep connection to the Templars.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
See Portugal’s oldest surviving synagogue, a modest yet elegant space with Gothic vaulting and unusual acoustics. Built in the 15th century, it stands as a testament to Tomar’s once-thriving Jewish community before their expulsion in the late 15th century.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Follow this riverside path, which offers stunning views of Tomar’s old industrial complex, where medieval water mills once powered the city. The levada system played a crucial role in local commerce, channeling the Nabão River’s energy to drive grain mills and metalworks.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
You’ll see a fully functional wooden waterwheel, a rare relic of Arabic engineering that still turns with the river’s current. This centuries-old mechanism once helped irrigate nearby fields, showcasing Tomar’s ingenuity in harnessing natural resources.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
This whitewashed, cube-like structure stands as a striking contrast to Tomar’s medieval buildings, now repurposed as a center for contemporary art and photography. Originally a Templar granary, it once stored agricultural goods vital to sustaining the Order’s stronghold.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
You’ll step into a lush forest once cultivated by the Templars, where towering pines and cypress trees whisper secrets of the past. This serene landscape was not just a retreat but an agricultural experiment that sustained the knights and later influenced Portuguese forestry.
Admission ticket free -
Castelo de Tomar (Pass by)
Gaze at the imposing walls and towers of Tomar’s castle, a fortress designed with advanced military strategy in mind. Built in 1160, it was the stronghold of the Knights Templar and played a key role in Portugal’s Reconquista against Moorish forces.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
This sprawling complex, blending Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline, and Renaissance styles, stands as one of Portugal’s most extraordinary architectural treasures. Originally the Templar headquarters, it later became a stronghold of the Order of Christ, which carried on the Templars’ legacy under a new name.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Inside the convent, you’ll find the Charola, a magnificent 12-sided Templar oratory adorned with gold leaf and sacred frescoes. Inspired by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, this circular sanctuary was built to allow knights to attend mass without dismounting from their horses.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Crossing the Nabão River on this medieval stone bridge, you’ll walk the same path as traders and pilgrims for centuries. Built in the 12th century, this bridge was vital for connecting Tomar’s fortress with the surrounding settlements.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Hidden in the landscape, this mysterious stone fountain trickles with water once believed to have mystical properties. Legends claim that its name—“Fountain of Blood”—derives from a battle fought nearby, where the river once ran red with the fallen.
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Most of the tour is stroller-friendly, but some cobbled streets and uphill paths may be difficult to navigate
- This tour is suitable for older guests who can walk independently or with minimal assistance, but it is not fully wheelchair accessible due to certain uneven terrain and historical sites with stairs.
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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