Knights Templars Tour from Lisbon: Experience the Religious History of Portugal
5.0
8 Ratings
Praia do Ribatejo

A resurgence of antiquity confirms that, for grasping the future, we must study our forebears.

This is particularly true in Portugal, where it’s essential to grasp the significance of this crucial religious Order in the forthcoming realm of Portugal, and equally the importance that Portugal played in the expansion of the Order.

Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Castelo de Almourol - We begin our Knights Templar Tour with a visit to the Almourol Castle, in the district of Santarem, built on a small island 310 meters long and 75 meters wide, in the middle course of the Tagus River, Almourol was part of the Tagus river Line and is one of the most representative examples of the military architecture of the time at the time of the Christian Reconquest, the knights of the Order of the Templars, were in charge of the settlement of the territory between the river Mondego and the Tagus river, and of the defense of Coimbra, then capital of Portugal.

Quadrangular plan, high walls, reinforced by adjoining towers, dominated by a keep, closely linked to the beginnings of the kingdom of Portugal and the history of the Templars, a rough and rough fortress shrouded in mystery tells the people, without any proof, that there would be hidden the “treasure of the Templars”.

  • Igreja de Santa Maria dos Olivais - The Church of Santa Maria dos Olivais, also known as the Church of Santa Maria do Olival, located on the left bank of the river Nabao, in the city of Tomar, Portugal. The first temple founded around 1160 by D. Gualdim Pais, master of the Order of the Knights Templar, where a Benedictine monastery was formerly erected, was the seat of the Order of the Templars in Portugal, having served as pantheon of the Order’s masters.

With the extinction of the Order by the Church (Pope Clement V) and King François Philip IV (known as the Beautiful), this church became the head of the Order of Christ, becoming the headquarters of all the churches of the Portuguese Empire, with honors of Cathedral Cathedral.

  • Convento de Cristo - The entrance of the Convent is made through a portico, an authentic sculpture by João and Diogo de Castilho, in the first church built by the Templar´s master Gualdim Pais, the oratorio or the Charola, a rare octagonal form, where the monks walked around praying, in16th century the Portuguese king D. Manuel add magnified sculptures, paintings and gilded carving.

With the glories of the maritime expansion is renovated with lush constructions in Manueline style, which has in the famous Window of the Chapter its greatest evidence. In 1312, the Order of the Templars had already been transformed into the Order of Christ, under the care of the infant D. Henrique, who will receive valuable knowledge that will be used for the overseas epic.

This Convent crosses times and artistic languages that travel through Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline, Renaissance, Baroque, Unesco World Heritage since 1983.

  • Synagogue of Tomar - In the center of Tomar we can visit the oldest Portuguese Synagogue, its roof is supported by four columns representing the mothers of Israel: Sarah, Rachel, Rebecca and Leah, linked by 12 arches, symbolising the 12 tribes of Israel with four terracotta jars in the corners that serve as natural amplifiers. This temple was commissioned by Infante D. Henrique, ( Henry the Navigator ), for whom the Jewish community financed most of the Discoveries project.

In 1496 the jews are expelled from Portugal with the marriage of the Portuguese king Dom Manuel I with the daughter of the “Spanish” Catholic Kings and the synagogue was closed down, used for various purposes during centuries, when it was bought by Dr. Samuel Schwarz, who donated it to the State, on the condition that the Museu Luso-Hebraico was installed there.

What's Included
  • Private transportation
  • Bottled water
  • Driver/guide
  • Personal accidents insurance
What's Not Included
  • Other Entrance fees
  • Gratuities
  • Lunch
Additional Information
  • May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
Location
Castelo de Almourol
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(8 Ratings)
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Kathryn_v
May 11, 2024
Fell in love with Portugal - Our tour driver Alex was wonderful. We grilled him about everything and we learned so much. Our castle and monastery visits were very impressive. We fell in love with Portugal, thanks to this trip.
Review provided by Viator
Laura_m
Mar 22, 2024
Awesome experience - This was a memorable trip for me and my friend. Our guide Ruben was informative and very helpful. I am glad we chose this tour.
Review provided by Viator
650mirthas
Mar 18, 2024
Fatima and Tomar Tour from Lisbon - We have an excellent day with our drive/tour "Ruben". He was knowledgeable and answered all of our questions. Ou's tour was from Lisbon to Fatima and Tomar. The recommended restaurant by Ruben for lunch was excellent (good food, drinks and dessert). Ruben helps us to font some souvenir in Fatima and Tomar. Thanks for all your help, Ruben and Hugo.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Z867ffkimt
Oct 8, 2023
Knights Templar Tour - We did the Knights Templar tour today with Manuel. We've been traveling Europe all month, Athens,Prague,Vienna,Switzerland, Rome.. This was by far the best tour we've taken!! Manuel was an awesome guy!!! Very,very knowledgeable and so entertaining!! Absolutely loved him!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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June 2024
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