Tour to Tomar and Almourol: The Templar Route in Portugal
Portugal is home to a rich Templar heritage, and one of the most fascinating tours for history enthusiasts is the Templar Route, which takes visitors to two iconic sites: Tomar and Almourol Castle. This journey allows you to explore incredible monuments, dive into the history of the Knights Templar, and admire breathtaking landscapes.
If you want to experience a complete tour of these locations, this detailed guide will help you understand what to expect, the key points of interest, and tips to make the most of this unique experience.
1. The History of the Templars in Portugal
Before embarking on this journey, it’s important to understand the historical context of the Order of the Knights Templar in Portugal.
The Templars were a military religious order founded in the 12th century to protect Christian pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land. In Portugal, they played a crucial role in the Christian Reconquista, helping to expel the Moors and consolidate the newly established kingdom.
As a reward, they were granted vast lands and built strategic fortifications, including Almourol Castle and the famous Convent of Christ in Tomar, which became one of the most important Templar headquarters in Europe.
In 1312, the Order of the Knights Templar was officially dissolved by Pope Clement V. However, in Portugal, King Dinis managed to protect the order’s assets and knights by creating the Order of Christ, which inherited the Templars’ properties and traditions.
Today, this legacy can be explored through the Templar Route, a journey that reveals the secrets of this powerful medieval order.
|
2. The Tour Itinerary: From Lisbon to Tomar and Almourol
The Templar Route is one of the most popular day trips from Lisbon. You can take the tour independently by car or train, but many travel agencies offer guided excursions that optimize time and provide in-depth explanations at each site.
Main Stops on the Tour:
- Almourol Castle – A Templar fortress in the middle of the Tagus River.
- Tomar – The Templar city with the stunning Convent of Christ.
- Tomar’s Historic Center – Medieval streets, synagogues, and historic churches.
- Pegões Aqueduct – An impressive piece of medieval engineering.
Now, let’s explore each of these stops in detail.
3. Almourol Castle: The Mythical Templar Fortress
A Castle in the Middle of the River
Almourol Castle is one of Portugal’s most enigmatic and beautiful castles. Built on a small island in the Tagus River, its strategic location allowed it to control navigation and defend the territory from invasions.
The fortress was originally built by the Moors, but after the Christian Reconquista, the Knights Templar rebuilt it in 1171, turning it into one of their most important strongholds.
Today, the scenery is straight out of a medieval movie: a stunning fortress surrounded by the river, with its walls reflecting on the calm waters of the Tagus.
How to Visit the Castle?
To reach Almourol Castle, you need to take a boat that crosses from the riverbank. The access point is in the village of Tancos, where there is a parking area and a small pier where boats depart.
Highlights of the Almourol Castle Visit
- The walls and towers: The castle retains its original medieval structure, offering incredible views.
- The history of the Templars: The site still carries an aura of mystery and legends about the Knights Templar.
- Stunning landscape: The panoramic view from the castle’s towers showcases the Tagus River and the surrounding nature.
The visit to Almourol Castle lasts about 1 hour, enough time to explore, take photos, and appreciate the fortress’s beauty.
After visiting the castle, the tour continues toward Tomar, the heart of the Templar legacy in Portugal.
4. Tomar: The Templar Capital of Portugal
Arriving in Tomar
Tomar is located about 30 km from Almourol, and the journey takes approximately 30 minutes by car.
Founded in the 12th century by Gualdim Pais, the Grand Master of the Knights Templar in Portugal, Tomar became the Templars’ headquarters in the country and one of the most significant Templar sites in the world.
Convent of Christ: The Jewel of Templar Architecture
The highlight of Tomar is the Convent of Christ, one of the most impressive monuments in Portugal and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What to See at the Convent of Christ?
- The Templar Charola – Inspired by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, it is one of the most stunning round churches in the world.
- Medieval Cloisters and Courtyards – The convent features several breathtaking cloisters, each with its own history and architectural style.
- The Manueline Window – The famous Chapter House Window, a masterpiece of Manueline art, symbolizes the Age of Discoveries.
- The Knights’ Hall – Where Templars gathered to discuss military and religious strategies.
A visit to the Convent of Christ lasts around 2 hours and is one of the most fascinating parts of the tour.
Read Also
What to See and Do in Sintra in 1 Day Visit Sintra from Lisbon
What to See and Do in Fatima Portugal
What to do and visit in Óbidos. Visit the village of Óbidos Portugal
5. Tomar’s Historic Center
After exploring the Convent of Christ, it’s worth walking through Tomar’s charming historic center, which preserves the city’s medieval spirit.
Top Attractions in Tomar’s Historic Center
- Church of São João Batista: Located in the city’s main square, featuring beautiful azulejos (Portuguese tiles) and a Gothic portal.
- Tomar Synagogue: One of the oldest synagogues in Portugal, now a museum about the Jewish presence in the region.
- Old Bridge over the Nabão River: A perfect spot for photographs.
- Rua Serpa Pinto: Tomar’s main shopping street, ideal for buying souvenirs and tasting traditional sweets.
6. Pegões Aqueduct: Templar Engineering
Before returning to Lisbon, stopping at the Pegões Aqueduct is highly recommended.
Built in the 16th century to supply water to the Convent of Christ, the aqueduct stretches 6 km and features impressive arches cutting across the landscape.
For photography and architecture lovers, this is one of the most picturesque spots on the tour.
7. Tips to Make the Most of the Tour
- Best time to visit: Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
- What to bring: Comfortable clothing, suitable walking shoes, and a bottle of water.
- Book tickets in advance: Avoid long lines, especially at the Convent of Christ.
- Choose a guided tour: The experience becomes richer with detailed explanations from a guide.
8. Conclusion: Is the Tomar and Almourol Tour Worth It?
Absolutely yes! If you love history, architecture, and medieval mysteries, the Templar Route is one of the most fascinating trips you can take in Portugal.
With its imposing castles, breathtaking monasteries, and an atmosphere filled with legends, this tour offers a true journey back in time to the heart of the Templar era.
Whether on your own or with an expert guide, this is an unmissable tour for those eager to uncover the secrets of the Knights Templar! 🚀