With an impressive historical heritage, quiet streets and a deep connection to the Templar Order, Tomar is a Portuguese city that enchants those who discover it according to the British newspaper Express, and which remains surprisingly outside the great tourist itineraries. About 140 kilometers from Lisbon, this destination combines history, culture and nature in a calm and affordable environment.
Taking stands out for its Templar origin. In the twelfth century, Gualdim Pais, Grand Master of the Order of Templars, had the castle and convent of Christ built at the top of a hill, a monumental set today classified as UNESCO World Heritage. The charola, a round plant chapel inspired by the temples of the Holy Land, is one of the jewels of this construction.
The city was born in the shadow of this fortress and grew up with a medieval urban layout in Cruz, guided by cardinal points. In the heart of the historic center, the narrow and calm streets invite the walk, and it is possible to find traditional stores, old coffees and pastries with typical sweets.
The Templar Legacy and the Renaissance Inheritance
According to the same source, for history lovers, the visit to the Convent of Christ is a must see, but there is much more to explore. Upon descending from the hill, the visitor crosses the National Forest of the Seven Montes, a refreshing green space that connects the convent to the urban center. Along the way comes the small chapel of Our Lady of Conception, Renaissance work of João de Castilho.
South of the city, next to the Nabão River, is the Church of Santa Maria do Olival, the grave site of several Knights Templar, including Gualdim Pais itself. Across the river are the Santa Iria Convent, the former Museum of Levada and, more north, the former convent of the announced.
Traditional parties and local flavors
Although discreet, Tomar wins another glow during the trays, celebrated every four years in early summer. Women parade through the streets with high headboards, decorated with flowers and bread, in a tradition that mixes pagan rituals with Catholic elements. It is a unique moment that attracts thousands of visitors.
Local gastronomy highlights convent sweets such as the slices of Tomar, made only with egg yolks and cooked in a water bath in a container invented by a local craftsman. There are also the almond and chila cheeses, perfect to accompany a coffee at the oldest coffee in the city.
Pork and cow meat dominate the menu in restaurants in the region, often accompanied by traditional bread and Tagus wines. For the lovers, there is also Portuguese craft beer to try.
Culture, Museums and Contemporary Art
In addition to its medieval past, Tomar also has room for modern art. The city’s Contemporary Art Center houses the collection of one of the most important Portuguese art historians of the twentieth century, and is a mandatory stop for those who seek to know the creative and current side of the city.
Another local curiosity is the Museum of Phosteros, which brings together thousands of matchboxes from around the world, an unexpected collection that conquers those who enter without high expectations.
An affordable and authentic refuge
Taking remains a well -kept secret, away from the crowds of Lisbon, Porto or even from the Algarve. With about 20,000 inhabitants, it offers a genuine experience, rich in history and hospitality, at a very different pace of the most visited cities, according to the.
The city is about 90 minutes from Lisbon and can easily be achieved by train. For those who want to explore Portugal differently, take is a bet with green landscapes, exceptional heritage and a difficult peace of mind in the capital.
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