Church of Santa Maria do Olival
Igreja de Santa Maria dos Olivais
The mother church and cemetery of the Knights Templar, a 13th-century Gothic church where several Templar grand masters, including Gualdim Pais, are buried.
The Church of Santa Maria do Olival stands on the east bank of the Nabão River. It was first built by the Knights Templar in the 12th century and remodelled in the 13th century in the Early Gothic style seen today. Its façade has a fine rose window, and a free-standing bell tower stands beside it. It was once the mother church of the Templar order in Portugal and its overseas holdings, and it contains the tombs of Grand Master Gualdim Pais and other Templar masters. It is about a 10-minute walk across the river from Praça da República. Admission is free. Opening hours are irregular, and it is often closed on Mondays.
Opening hours
Usually Tue–Sun 10:00–12:30, 14:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Church of São João Baptista & Praça da República
- Levada de Tomar Cultural Complex
- Match Museum
- Rua Serpa Pinto & Old Town
- Tomar Synagogue
- Mouchão Park
- Hermitage of Nossa Senhora da Conceição
- Tomar Castle