The best hikes from bus stations around Santa Maria Dos Olivais

The Praça da República and the Igreja Matriz de São João Baptista are the historical and cultural heart of Tomar, a city deeply linked to the history of the Knights Templar in Portugal. This square is the nerve center of Tomar, surrounded by historic buildings and offering a charming atmosphere.

Originally located within the walled enclosure of Tomar Castle, its construction dates back to its origins (c. 1160) and is closely linked to the beginnings of the Kingdom of Portugal and the Order of the Templars (later the Order of Christ). The Charola was the private oratory of the knights within the fortress. Completed in 1190, the entrance to the Charola originally faced east. The Charola is not only a place of worship and meditation, but also a symbol of the ideals and beliefs of the Templar Order. It commemorates the Templars' connection to the Christian faith and their mission to protect the Holy Land. The Charola also symbolizes the unity and strength of the Order. As an octagonal space, it represents the eight Templar virtues: courage, honor, mercy, integrity, humility, sincerity, fraternity, and faith. These values are the foundation of their actions and our decisions. It was significantly remodeled in the 16th century. A major breakthrough in the west added it during the reign of D. Manuel I as the main chapel of the attached Munuelist church. Further details can be found here: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charola_do_Convento_de_Cristo A virtual tour is available here: https://mpembed.com/show/?m=fBGNBFFcNDc

The rooms dedicated to intellectual activities of the Kloster der Krähen, such as the library and the scriptorium, are arranged around a square floor plan. In the 19th century, after the Liberal Revolution and the abolition of religious orders, the west wing was converted into a neoclassical palace. To help place this within the complex building jumble of the total of eight cloisters in the entire area of the current Convent do Christo, here is some help: anyformsdesignmapas.blogspot.com/2014/09/convento-de-cristo-tomar.html

Created as an administrative complex for the entire site. The inner courtyard is used to collect rainwater, which drains into an underground cistern. To help classify it within the complex architectural jumble of the total eight cloisters of the entire area of the present Convent of Christ, here is some help: anyformsdesignmapas.blogspot.com/2014/09/convento-de-cristo-tomar.html

Detailed plans of the complex, including the identification of the individual parts and monasteries, can be found here: https://campanha.cmjornal.pt/portugal-monumental/ https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convento_de_Cristo#/media/Datei:TomarChurchPlanCC3-pt.jpg https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjONUon4tGroEfnLT311dfFBPy 7gkSdMIt7aDFXuB2X61MqnwjBYUVJwZs3nELeNox-cEindezimgkuppLnXY6-XxrO-2WJQ_62jz9Qme64FlLgng2leHtQJZ3iuys8kl6z1fh1M1Ns6SOV/s1600/05Tomar.jpg https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convento_de_Cristo#/media/File:TomarChurchPlanCC3-pt.jpg

The Church of Saint John the Baptist (Portuguese: Igreja de São João Baptista) was built between the 15th and 16th centuries by King Manuel I in the Manueline style. As its name suggests, the church is dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. The church features many interesting artistic details, such as the flamboyant Gothic portal, the Manueline tower with a 16th-century clock, the decorated capitals of the interior columns of the nave, and several panels painted in the 1530s by one of Portugal's most important Renaissance artists, Gregório Lopes.

The Pillory of Tomar is located at Largo do Pelourinho (also known as Várzea Pequena), one of the former city gates. Records indicate that the original structure dates back to the 16th century and was demolished in 1870. The current Pelourinho was likely rebuilt in the late 18th century. Of particular note is the armillary sphere at the top of the Pelourinho, an astronomical navigational instrument that was one of the symbols of the reign of King Manuel I, a significant figure in the era of maritime expansion. Given the history of the city's rise, these landmarks are associated in one way or another not only with the Templars but also with the Portuguese discoveries.

A rather old arched road and pedestrian bridge connecting the two banks of the Nabão River in the city of Tomar. It is said that the Romans first crossed the Nabão River on this site. It was rebuilt in the 16th century and widened in the 19th century, with the stone railings removed and replaced with metal ones. It was completely redesigned in the first half of the 20th century, with the railings renewed and widened, and the piers and buttresses stabilized. It makes a stunning photo opportunity, especially at dusk and from the nearby parks.