Tomar

Tomar, a small city in central Portugal, is home to the UNESCO-listed Convent of Christ, a former Templar stronghold. The city's medieval streets lead to Renaissance squares and Gothic churches. Every four years, Tomar comes alive with the Festa dos Tabuleiros, where women parade with elaborate headdresses made of bread and flowers. You can explore the 15th-century Synagogue, one of Portugal's oldest, or taste local sweets like Fatias de Tomar at traditional confectioneries.

Convent of Christ and Templar Castle

The Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage site, sits atop a hill overlooking Tomar. This former headquarters of the Knights Templar in Portugal showcases architecture from Romanesque to Renaissance styles. At its core stands the Charola, a 12th-century circular Templar church. Don't miss the ornate Manueline-style Chapter Window, adorned with intricate maritime motifs. The adjacent castle offers views of Tomar and the surrounding area.

Historic City Center

As you walk through Tomar's city center, you'll notice its grid-like layout, unusual for a medieval city. This design was implemented by Henry the Navigator in the 15th century. The main square, Praça da República, is surrounded by historic buildings, including the 15th-century Church of São João Baptista. Step inside to see several 16th-century paintings. The 15th-century Synagogue, now a small Jewish museum, provides insight into the city's Jewish heritage.

Festa dos Tabuleiros

Every four years, Tomar hosts the Festa dos Tabuleiros (Festival of the Trays). This celebration, dating back to the 14th century, combines pagan, Christian, and local traditions. During the festival, hundreds of women walk through the streets carrying elaborate headdresses made of bread and flowers. The next festival is scheduled for 2023. Between festivals, you can learn about its history at the Municipal Museum.

Local Cuisine and Traditional Sweets

Tomar's cuisine reflects its inland location, emphasizing meat and freshwater fish dishes. Try açorda, a local specialty made with bread and often served with shrimp or cod. For dessert, taste Fatias de Tomar, a sweet made from egg yolks and sugar. Another local treat is the Beija-me Depressa (Kiss Me Quickly), a small pastry available at the Estrelas Confectionery. Many of these sweets originated in convents, where nuns used leftover egg yolks to create desserts.

Nabão River and Mouchão Park

The Nabão River runs through the center of Tomar, dividing the city in two. You can walk along its banks on designated paths. Mouchão Park, a small island in the middle of the river, offers green spaces for relaxation. Here, you'll find the Mouchão Wheel, a reconstructed medieval waterwheel that once powered the city's mills and olive presses.

Getting to Tomar

You can reach Tomar by train from Lisbon, with the journey taking about two hours. If you're driving, it's about 140 kilometers northeast of Lisbon. The nearest airport is in Lisbon. Once in Tomar, you can explore the compact city center on foot.