Exploring the Medieval Town of Tomar

Описание: Tomar is a town in Portugal's Centro region, situated on the banks of the Nabão River. It is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, including the Convento do Cristo (Convent of Christ), a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tomar Convento do Cristo Opens in a new window
Wikipédia
Tomar Convento do Cristo

The convent was founded in 1160 by the Knights Templar, a military order that was active in the Crusades. The Templars were granted Tomar by Portuguese King Afonso Henriques in 1147, after they helped him to conquer the town from the Moors.

The convent was originally a fortress, but it was gradually transformed into a religious complex over the centuries. The most impressive part of the complex is the Charola, a circular church that was built in the 12th century. The Charola is decorated with intricate Gothic carvings and is considered to be one of the most important examples of Templar architecture in the world.

The convent also houses several other interesting buildings, including the chapter house, the cloister, and the refectory. The chapter house is decorated with beautiful azulejo tiles, while the cloister is lined with elegant arches. The refectory is a large hall where the monks would eat their meals.

In addition to the convent, Tomar has several other historical landmarks, including the Tomar Castle, the Porta do Sol (Gate of the Sun), and the Aqueduct of Pegões. The Tomar Castle is a medieval fortress built in the 12th century. The Porta do Sol is a triumphal arch built in the 16th century. The Aqueduct of Pegões is a 16th-century aqueduct that used to bring water to the town from the Pegões River.

Tomar is a charming town with a rich history and culture. It is a popular tourist destination and is well worth a visit if you are interested in medieval architecture and Portuguese history.

Here are some additional details about the Convento do Cristo and the Aquaducts of Pegões:

The Convento do Cristo is a complex of buildings that were built over a period of several centuries. The most notable parts of the complex are the Charola, the chapter house, the cloister, and the refectory.


Tomar Convento do Cristo Charola
The Charola is a circular church that was built in the 12th century. It is decorated with intricate Gothic carvings and considered one of the most important examples of Templar architecture in the world.
The chapter house is decorated with beautiful azulejo tiles. Azulejo tiles are glazed ceramic tiles that are often used in Portuguese architecture.
The cloister is lined with elegant arches. The arches are supported by columns carved with images such as animals, plants, and religious symbols.
The refectory is a large hall where the monks would eat their meals. The walls of the refectory are decorated with murals that depict scenes from the Bible.
The Aquaducts of Pegões are a series of aqueducts built in the 16th century. The aqueducts were used to bring water to the town from the Pegões River. The aqueducts are stone and brick, a striking example of Portuguese engineering.


Tomar is a beautiful town with a lot to offer visitors. If you are interested in medieval architecture, Portuguese history, or simply enjoying a charming Portuguese town, then Tomar is definitely worth a visit.


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