Tomar Castle
Castelo de Tomar
Built by the Knights Templar in 1160, the castle keeps its walls and main keep intact, with the convent built within them. The garden inside the walls overlooks the whole town.
Tomar Castle was begun in 1160 by Gualdim Pais, Grand Master of the Knights Templar. It is one of Portugal's earliest castles to use a keep (menagem) as its main defensive stronghold, and it withstood a Moorish siege in 1190. The walls encircle the hilltop, and the Convent of Christ was built inside them. It is about a 15-minute uphill walk from the old town. Once through the gate, you can stroll the walled gardens and climb the battlements for views over the old town and the Nabão River valley. Entry to the castle grounds is free; the convent requires a ticket, and the two are usually visited together.
Opening hours
09:00–18:30 (Oct–May until 17:30)
Nearby sights
- Hermitage of Nossa Senhora da Conceição
- Mata Nacional dos Sete Montes
- Convent of Christ
- Tomar Synagogue
- Rua Serpa Pinto & Old Town
- Mouchão Park
- Church of São João Baptista & Praça da República
- Match Museum