Tomar & the Knights Templar—October 18, 2018

We caught a local train (read two hours one way with about 35 stops) to Tomar, the town where the Knights of the Templar was founded in 1160 and the Templar Castle and Convent of Christ were started. The Knights of the Templar were disbanded in 1319 when the Order of Christ took over the Castle and Convent of Christ from 1357 onwards.

The history gets complicated because the Knights of the Templar grew too powerful. While they protected pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem during the Crusades and defended and settled Portugal territories, King Dinis disbanded them. More importantly, fearing he'd lose their property to Pope Clement V, he wrangled a deal with Fernando IV of Castile where the Order was suspended and all their possessions reverted to both kings.

Okay, so what does that all mean? Ya, we walked and gawked through a stunning castle/convent built from 1160-1600's. The castle, convent, and octagonal church (completed around 1150 and modeled after the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem) were stunning. So, enough of all that; here are some pictures. Remember, you can click on any picture to enlarge it.

Entrance to Templar Castle and Convent of Christ. Prepare
to be amazed.

The Round Church dates from the
end of the 12th century and is a
Romanesque shrine. Inside the
round church is an octagonal shrine
modeled after the Dome of the Rock
in Jerusalem. The church, as you'll
see, is elaborately decorated.

 

 

We took lots of pictures of vaulted ceilings. Couldn't help it.

The light was perfect for this shot. 

 

The monk's dormitory main hallway.
Another hallway intersects this forming
a cross, of course.

A monk's cell.

 

Two rows of tables and benches
fill this enormous refectory.

Looking down the length of the convent/monestary.

Marie is here for scale.

The road from the castle...

...into the medieval old town.

St. John the Baptist Church, 1430
and refurbished in 1467.

St. John the Baptist Manueline door
replaced gothic entrance in 1467.

Town Hall (17th century) on Republic Plaza with bronze
statue of Gauldim Pais, founder of Tomar, in the center.

Enjoyed a huge grilled ham and cheese with salad for linner.

Santa Maria do Olival (12th century)
and separate bell tower (16th century).

Interior was restored in 16th century.

Santa Maria do Olival was the
pantheon of the Order of the
Temple since the 12th century.

Knights Templars were buried here.

Templar Castle and Convent of Christ from Old Town Tomar.

Lamarosa is in the middle of nowhere. This is where we
changed trains to Tomar. All-in-all we made about 35 stops.

Coimbra after dark.