Tomar

Tomar is a city of 41,000 people (2011) in Ribatejo, Portugal. Tomar is one of Portugal's historical jewels and, more significantly, was the last Templar town to be commissioned for construction.

Understand


The town of Tomar (too-MAHR, /tu.ˈmaɾ/) was born inside the walls of the Convento de Cristo, constructed under the orders of Gualdim de Pais, the fourth grand master of the Knights Templar, in the late 12th century.

Tomar was especially important in the 15th century when it was a center of Portuguese overseas expansion under Henry the Navigator, the Grand Master of the Order of Christ, successor organization to the Templars in Portugal.

By train
From Lisbon: there is hourly direct train from Lisbon (Santa Apolônia/Oriente), about 2 hr, €8.40.

From Porto: several per day, about 3½ hr, €19, need to change in Entrocamento or Lamarosa/Coimbra B.

By bus
There are two bus companies that connect Tomar: Rede Expressos and Rodoviária do Tejo.

By car
Tomar is just over 1 hour from Lisbon. Coming from north or south, the A1 is the most direct route. At km94, take the A23 exit, follow this road until you see the sign for Tomar on the IC3. 5 to 10 minutes later you will see the exit sign for Tomar on the N110. Go there and in a few minutes you will reach your destination.

On foot
It is a small city.

By bus
There is also citybus, 2 lines, €1/ticket valid for 1 hr.

See
Tomar is a small city but holds an important ancient past and some of the most important monuments in Portugal.

Landmarks
The streets and squares of the picturesque centre of Tomar are organised following a chessboard pattern, a rare feature for a mediaeval city, instituted by Prince Henry the Navigator, which later inspired the pattern used for the rebuilding of Lisbon after the earthquake in 1755. Scattered throughout the town there are many interesting houses with Renaissance, Baroque and Romantic façades. By the river Nabão, near the bridge, there is a park and garden that offer nice views of the city and surroundings.
 * Church of Saint John the Baptist and Republic Square, this church was built in the end of the 15th century, marked as National Monument in 1910 and is in Republica Square where is Gualdim Pais statue.
 * Aqueduct of Pegões, (Quinta dos Pegões), it was built to deliver water to Convento de Cristo and has 6 km of extension. The construction started in 1593 and finished in 1614. The highest point of this aqueduct is 30 m above ground level. Take the small "train tour bus" in city center that takes you to the highest point. The easiest way to go to aqueduct is to follow the local road to Leiria.
 * Museum of Matches (Museu dos Fósforos), Av. Gen. Bernardo Faia, near railway station. Surprisingly nice exhibition of matchboxes from all over the world. Open daily 14:00-17:00, free entrance.
 * Aqueduct of Pegões, (Quinta dos Pegões), it was built to deliver water to Convento de Cristo and has 6 km of extension. The construction started in 1593 and finished in 1614. The highest point of this aqueduct is 30 m above ground level. Take the small "train tour bus" in city center that takes you to the highest point. The easiest way to go to aqueduct is to follow the local road to Leiria.
 * Museum of Matches (Museu dos Fósforos), Av. Gen. Bernardo Faia, near railway station. Surprisingly nice exhibition of matchboxes from all over the world. Open daily 14:00-17:00, free entrance.
 * Museum of Matches (Museu dos Fósforos), Av. Gen. Bernardo Faia, near railway station. Surprisingly nice exhibition of matchboxes from all over the world. Open daily 14:00-17:00, free entrance.

Eat
Local food specialities include Fatias de Tomar, and Beija-me depressa ("kiss me quickly") made by the Estrelas Confeitery.



Go next

 * Fátima (Sanctuary of Our Lady) – Place of the worldwide famous Marian apparitions.
 * Batalha (Monastery)
 * Alcobaça (Monastery)
 * Nazaré (Beach of the Guinness Book Records big waves surfed)