Church of São João Baptista & Praça da República
Igreja de São João Baptista
A 15th-century church on the central square of the old town, with a Manueline portal and an octagonal bell tower. The square holds a statue of Gualdim Pais, the town's founder.
The Church of São João Baptista was built from the late 15th to the early 16th century. Its main portal is finely carved in the Manueline style, and its octagonal bell tower is a landmark of the old town. Inside are panel paintings by 16th-century Portuguese artists. The church stands on Praça da República, the heart of Tomar. Opposite is a 17th-century town hall, and in the centre of the square stands a bronze statue of Gualdim Pais, Grand Master of the Knights Templar. Look up and you can see the hilltop castle. The Festival of the Trays (Festa dos Tabuleiros) procession also reaches its climax here. Admission to the church is free, and the square is lined with cafés.
Opening hours
Church approx. 10:00–18:00 (occasionally changes)
Nearby sights
- Levada de Tomar Cultural Complex
- Rua Serpa Pinto & Old Town
- Tomar Synagogue
- Mouchão Park
- Match Museum
- Church of Santa Maria do Olival
- Hermitage of Nossa Senhora da Conceição
- Tomar Castle