Tomar – Templar Culture, Parks and Special Discoveries

Tomar combines impressive Templar history with green paths, Jewish culture and lively traditions. Anyone planning a trip to Portugal can choose between historic buildings, parks and special events here. When looking for a holiday apartment in Tomar, it is therefore worth deciding first what kind of holiday you want: Should the trip focus on culture and history, or are walks, nature and relaxing days the priority?

Templar History and Special Buildings

The Convento de Cristo complex and the Templar Castle include the Romanesque Charola. Tomar Castle was built by Gualdim Pais in 1160 and defines the city’s historical identity. The Church of Santa Maria do Olival also leads into this past: inside is the tombstone of the Templar Master D. Gualdim Pais.

Another striking structure is the Pegões Altos Aqueduct. It is around six kilometres long and has 180 round arches. The aqueduct carried water from four springs on the outskirts of Tomar, in the Pegões area, to the Convento de Cristo. A visit therefore reveals not only the size of the structure, but also its connection to supplying the historic complex.

Jewish History and Contemporary Art

The Sinagoga de Tomar preserves tombstones from several places in Portugal, as well as books and objects relating to Jewish tradition and Jewish worship. Inside, the ceiling is supported by four columns connected by twelve arches. These architectural details give the visit a clear structure and also make the synagogue interesting for travellers who want to explore religious and cultural history in greater depth.

The Núcleo de Arte Contemporânea offers a different emphasis. It houses a Portuguese collection of contemporary art donated by Professor José Augusto França. Anyone wishing to combine historic sites and modern art can include both themes in their travel plans.

Green Places for Walks and Breaks

Sete Montes National Park is a 39-hectare green space between the Convento de Cristo and Tomar city centre. It offers space for walking, relaxing, exercising and enjoying nature. A playground and picnic areas complement the facilities. For families with children of different ages, this park can therefore provide a balance between sightseeing and a break in green surroundings.

Mouchão Park is located on a small island in the Nabão River. Footbridges connect the island with Tomar. Anyone wishing to include the river in their travel plans can add this place as a separate stop in the day’s itinerary without losing sight of the city’s cultural character.

Traditional Festa dos Tabuleiros

The Festa dos Tabuleiros takes place every four years at the beginning of July. Its elements include the procession of the boys, the procession of the festival chairman, decorated public streets, traditional games, smaller processions, folk festivals and the Pêza. The Festa dos Tabuleiros begins on Easter Sunday with a procession of crowns and banners from all the municipalities. Anyone wishing to plan their trip around this festival should take the stated dates into account, as the event represents a special cultural focus of the city.

Which Location Suits the Trip?

The historic sights, Sete Montes National Park, Mouchão Park and the cultural institutions make accommodation in Tomar a good choice if you want to combine different interests in the same destination. When choosing a holiday apartment or holiday house, check above all whether your trip focuses on architectural history, art, walks or the period when the Festa dos Tabuleiros takes place. From Tomar’s historic centre, access is via Avenida Dr Vieira Guimarães; the road is quite steep and has no pavements or pedestrian crossings. This is relevant to practical daily planning, especially if you are travelling on foot.

For more ideas for places to visit, you can also explore Alvrangel, Paço, Junceira, Pedreira and Paialvo.

For the higher-level travel overview: Tomar.