Tomar, Portugal Travel Guide: Explore the Templar City of History and Charm

Nestled in the heart of central Portugal, Tomar is one of the country’s most historically significant and visually captivating towns. Once the headquarters of the Order of the Knights Templar, Tomar is rich in medieval architecture, cobbled lanes, lush parks, and an aura of mystery and power that has endured for centuries.
 

Whether you're fascinated by Templar history, drawn to architectural beauty, or seeking a quiet Portuguese town with rich cultural traditions, Tomar offers an unforgettable experience.

📍 Where is Tomar?

Region: Centro (Central Portugal)

District: Santarém

Distance from Lisbon: ~135 km (1.5–2 hours by car/train)

River: Nabão River

Population: Approx. 40,000 (including surrounding municipality)

🌟 Why Visit Tomar?

🏰 Home of the Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

⚔️ Deeply tied to the Knights Templar

🏙️ Beautiful medieval town center and riverside walks

🎭 Hosts one of Portugal’s most unique festivals – the Festa dos Tabuleiros

🍷 Located near fertile wine-producing valleys

📸 Top Attractions & Things to Do in Tomar

🏰 1. Convent of Christ (Convento de Cristo) – UNESCO World Heritage Site

This sprawling hilltop complex is the crown jewel of Tomar and one of the most important historical monuments in Portugal.

What to See:

Charola: The Templar rotunda chapel with 12th-century frescoes

Manueline Window: A wildly ornate stone-carved window showcasing Portugal’s Gothic style

Cloisters and Passageways: Eight centuries of architecture in one building

Aqueduct of Pegões: A stunning 16th-century aqueduct connected to the convent

⏳ Allocate at least 2–3 hours for your visit.

⛪ 2. Church of Santa Maria do Olival

Built in the 12th century, this Gothic church was the burial place of several Templar masters.

Simple, serene interior

Historically important as the spiritual center of the Templar Order in Portugal

A hidden gem often missed by casual visitors

🏙️ 3. Wander Tomar’s Historic Old Town

Take a leisurely stroll through narrow cobblestone streets lined with tiled façades, bakeries, and boutiques.

Highlights include:

Republic Square (Praça da República) with the Church of São João Baptista

Templar cross motifs embedded in buildings and ironwork

Riverside park walks along the Nabão River

Tomar’s old town is clean, peaceful, and authentically Portuguese—perfect for slow travel.

🌉 4. Mouchão Park & Nabão River Walk

Located right in the center of town, this tranquil island park and riverside promenade is a perfect place to relax.

See the old waterwheel (Nora Wheel), symbol of Tomar

Cross beautiful stone bridges

Ideal for a morning walk or evening sunset

🖼️ 5. Synagogue of Tomar & Jewish Museum

One of the few surviving pre-expulsion synagogues in Portugal, this small but powerful site offers:

Insight into Tomar’s once-thriving Jewish community

Exhibits on Jewish heritage in Portugal

Beautiful architectural details

📅 Best Time to Visit Tomar

🌟 Tip: The Festa dos Tabuleiros takes place every four years in July (next: 2027). Plan ahead—it’s a spectacle of tradition, costume, and pageantry.

🎉 Local Events & Cultural Festivals

Festa dos Tabuleiros: A centuries-old tradition where locals parade with flower-covered trays balanced on their heads

Holy Week Processions: Traditional religious celebrations in spring

Tomar Medieval Fair: Step into the Middle Ages with knights, craftsmen, and open-air markets

🍽️ Where to Eat in Tomar

Tomar’s cuisine reflects both Templar-era traditions and rural Portuguese comfort food.

🥘 Must-Try Dishes:

Fatias de Tomar: Sweet egg dessert made by nuns

Cabrito assado (roast goat)

Açorda de sável (savory bread and shad soup)

Local wines and cheeses

🍴 Recommended Restaurants:

O Tabuleiro – Classic Portuguese dishes in the old town

Taverna Antiqua – Medieval-themed restaurant with Templar flair

Café Parreirinha – Affordable local spot with daily specials

🏨 Where to Stay in Tomar

Tomar offers a mix of historic hotels, boutique stays, and budget guesthouses.

🛌 Top Picks:

Hotel dos Templários – 4-star hotel with garden views and a pool

Thomar Boutique Hotel – Elegant rooms and modern design near the river

Residencial Uniao – Budget-friendly guesthouse in a 19th-century building

🚗 How to Get to Tomar

🚆 By Train:

From Lisbon’s Santa Apolónia or Oriente Station

Direct line via Linha do Norte and Entroncamento

Journey time: ~2 hours

🚘 By Car:

~1.5 hours from Lisbon

Parking available near the town center and Convent of Christ

Tomar is also a great base for exploring nearby gems like Almourol Castle, Batalha, or Fátima.

🧭 Suggested Itinerary for 1–2 Days

Day 1:

Morning: Visit the Convent of Christ

Lunch: Try traditional food at Taverna Antiqua

Afternoon: Walk the Old Town and riverside

Evening: Relax at Mouchão Park

Day 2 (optional):

Visit Santa Maria do Olival Church

Explore the Synagogue and Jewish Museum

Take a day trip to Almourol Castle

🧠 Historical Background: The Knights Templar and Tomar

Founded in 1160 by Gualdim Pais, a Templar knight, Tomar was built as a fortified city to house the headquarters of the Order of the Knights Templar in Portugal.

After the suppression of the Templars, the order was replaced by the Order of Christ, which supported Portuguese discoveries like Vasco da Gama’s expeditions.

The Convent of Christ expanded across centuries, incorporating Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

This multi-layered history gives Tomar a unique identity not found elsewhere in Portugal.

🌿 Outdoor Activities Near Tomar

Almourol Castle: Riverside fortress accessible by boat

Zêzere River kayaking

Castelo do Bode Lake: Great for swimming, SUP, and water sports

Walking and biking trails around Tomar’s scenic countryside

🛍️ Souvenirs and Local Crafts

Templar-themed keepsakes (swords, crosses, emblems)

Handmade ceramics

Local liqueurs like Ginja

Regional sweets including Fatias de Tomar and almond confections

💬 Local Tips

Greet locals with “Bom dia!” (Good morning) or “Boa tarde!” (Good afternoon)

Many shops and restaurants close for lunch from 1–3 pm

ATMs and tourist info are located in the town center

📸 Most Instagrammable Spots in Tomar

📍 Manueline Window at the Convent of Christ

📍 Templar cross in Praça da República

📍 Nabão River and the Nora Waterwheel

📍 Festa dos Tabuleiros parade (every 4 years)

🌍 Why Tomar is Perfect for Slow, Cultural Travel

Tomar’s small size, rich history, and peaceful pace make it a favorite for travelers who want to go beyond the obvious, dig deeper into Portuguese heritage, and explore without crowds.