Castle of the Knights Templar, Tomar

A steep but short (10 minute) hike up from the center of town will take you to the Castle of the Knights Templar. It was built 800 years ago. Knights would come here to be blessed before taking off for battle. Admission is €6. Audioguides are no longer available.

The Order of the Knights Templar dissolved in the 1300s. In Portugal, it became the Order of Christ. Henry the Navigator was its first governor (known as the Grand Master). Later, King Manuel I became the Grand Master and decorated the castle in his classic Manueline style.

12th century walls surround the castle.

Entrance to the castle.

The circular oratory dates from the 12th century.

The entrance to the Convent Church.

The Cemetery Cloister.

New Sacristy.

Portocarreiros Chapel.

Washing Cloister where the lay brothers did their chores and washed their clothes.

Prince Henry's quarters, now in ruins.

The Church of the Convent of Christ.

The interior rotunda of the Church of the Convent of Christ.

The dormitory--long halls with doors on either side--lead to the monks' rooms.

The Crossing Chapel where the dormitory halls met.

The Manueline Window on the church's western side. It's best seen from the roof of the Claustro Santa Barbara.

Claustro do Hospederia where guests stayed.

Claustro do Santa Barbara.

Oil Storage Room.

Lavatories drained into the manure chamber.

Oven House.

Claustro da Micha.

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