Welcome to our exciting Templar Tour of Portugal! During the Reconquista, the Templar’s played a key role in defending and expanding the country.
Their legacy lives on in castles and churches, uniquely connecting the past with the present, and celebrating the resilience that shaped Portugal. Join us on this journey through the Templar history that continues to inspire the future of the nation.
This private tour will start and end in the city of Lisbon. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
The Templar Tour in Portugal is a unique journey through medieval history, taking participants to iconic locations linked to the Knights Templar, a military and religious order that played a crucial role in the Middle Ages. The story of the Templars is filled with mysteries, symbols, and legends, and this tour offers a fascinating opportunity to explore these elements while visiting some of the country’s most historic and impressive sites.
The Convent of Christ in Tomar is one of the main highlights of the tour. Founded in the 12th century by the Knights Templar, the convent is one of the largest and most significant historical monuments in Portugal. Its Charola, a circular chapel, is one of the most symbolic places, reflecting the deep connection the Templars had with mysticism and Templar architecture. The convent also features an impressive mix of architectural styles, including Romanesque, Gothic, and Manueline, and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Another important location on this tour is Almourol Castle, situated in the middle of the Tagus River. This medieval castle was one of the Templars’ strongholds in Portugal and offers spectacular views of the surrounding region. Its strategic location and medieval design make it one of the most photogenic castles in the country.
Templar Tour Explore the Knights in Portugal
The tour also takes visitors to other Templar-connected sites, such as Tomar Castle, where the knights once protected the city and surrounding area, and the Church of São João Baptista, which still preserves traces of Templar architecture.
With a rich blend of history, legends, and iconic sites, the Templar Tour offers an immersive experience into the world of the Knights Templar, allowing participants to explore the legacy of this enigmatic order while discovering the beauty and mysteries of Portugal.
The Templar Tour invites you to explore these intriguing historical events, diving into the plots of power, envy, and greed that marked the end of the Templars—an order that transcended borders and continues to challenge our understanding even today.
Itinerário
The Templars, or Knights Templar, were a military religious order founded in 1119 by Hugues de Payens, with the initial mission of protecting Christian pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem. Originally known as warrior monks, the Templars quickly became one of the most powerful organizations in medieval Europe, amassing great wealth and influence.
They played a crucial role in the Crusades, but their activities extended beyond the battlefield. The Order also established an innovative banking system, financed monarchies, and built castles and fortifications throughout Europe and the Holy Land. However, their growing power aroused envy and suspicion, leading to their downfall in 1307, when they were brutally persecuted and disbanded by order of King Philip IV of France.
Despite their dissolution, the Templars’ legacy endured, particularly in Portugal, where their traditions and properties were transferred to the Order of Christ, playing a key role in the Age of Discoveries. Today, the Templars remain shrouded in mystery, captivating historians and enthusiasts alike.
We begin our Templar Journey with a visit to the majestic Castle of Almourol, situated on a small island in the Tagus River, with a history dating back to Roman times. Rebuilt by the Knights Templar in the 12th century, the castle stands as a symbol of the Order’s defensive strategy and mystique.Join us in exploring this historic monument and delve into the legends and mysteries surrounding this remarkable medieval stronghold
carregada de história.
The Church of Santa Maria do Olival, possibly the first headquarters of the Templars in Portugal, represents the transition from Romanesque to Gothic architecture. Its façade features an imposing rose window adorned with the Templar emblem, the Signum Salomonis.
Inside, you’ll find the tombs of Gualdim Pais, the founder of the city, along with other Grand Masters of the Order. Though it may appear small, the church is actually buried two meters below ground level. Join us in discovering this architectural and historical treasure, steeped in the legacy of the Templars.
For centuries, Portugal was a European oasis of peaceful coexistence between Christians, Muslims, and Jews. The Synagogue of Tomar, built in the heart of the city in the 15th century, stands as a reminder of this remarkable harmony. Join us as we explore the historical roots of this exceptional cultural coexistence, revisiting a time when different faiths thrived together in mutual respect.
