The Convento de Cristo (Convent of Christ) in Tomar is one of the architectural highlights of Portugal, and should be on the itinerary of anyone who has a passing interest in the country’s culture and history.
While the biggest draw is the impressive Manueline nave and Round Church, the rest of the hilltop complex is impressive in its own right, as is the well-kept grounds that provide stunning views over the surrounding city and countryside.
Easy to get to and with plenty to explore, the convent is surprisingly free of large crowds most of the time. If you’re planning a visit, we’ve got everything you need to know, from ticket prices and opening hours to history, transportation details, and more.
Background
For millennia, various tribes and communities have inhabited the hill where the convent now stands. Construction began in the 12th century and the castle-like appearance reveals the military background of the Knights Templar, its original builders and inhabitants.
Those fortifications were tested as early as 1190, when the Knights saw an attack from the Arab forces of Abu Yusuf al-Mansur. The convent became the seat of the Templars in the 13th century, and a key part of the defenses against the Arab armies that controlled large areas of southern Portugal at the time.
The power of the Templar movement waned after the end of the Crusades, and when the group was abolished throughout Europe in the early 1400s, its Portuguese members laid down their arms and became a purely religious order soon after. They continued to grow and expand the convent until 1834, when monasteries were closed across the country as part of the Liberal Revolution.
The Convent of Christ has been in government since then, and is now a popular destination for Portuguese and international visitors. It received UNESCO World Heritage status in 1983.
What to do there
Exploring the gardens of the Convent of Christ is free and can be done before or after visiting the rest of the complex. The interior contains seven cloisters, which include areas for religious processions and laundry washing. Yet even in these utilitarian areas, there are plenty of beautiful blue tiles and intricately decorated ceilings to admire.
The sumptuously decorated Round Church sits further inside, with brightly colored paintings, statues, gold leaf, and elegant stonework – a dramatic contrast to the relatively austere stone buildings you pass through beforehand. The nave behind contains the famous Manueline window, one of the best remaining examples of this architectural style.
The final area of the complex contains the dramatic two-story main cloister, with staircases that allow visitors to explore the rooms on both floors, as well as the rooftop. That’s where you’ll get the best views over the castle and the city below, as well as enjoying a different perspective from the outside of the Manueline window.
Before leaving, be sure to contrast the lavish decorations in the church and nave with the spartan bedrooms, kitchen, refectory, and other functional areas. Despite the simple conditions, there was the occasional luxury, including an ingenious heating system to make the homes tolerable in winter.
If you have your own transportation, it’s worth ending your time in the area with a drive to the nearby Pegoes aqueduct. Built to supply the convent with water in the early 17th century, you can climb to the top of some of the support towers and walk along the narrow stone channel between them for great views over the valleys and countryside.
how to visit
Depending on how much time and interest you have, you could speed through the Convent of Christ in less than an hour, or spend a half day there just as easily. Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be climbing a few flights of stairs and walking on tiles and pavers most of the time. Much of the site is not wheelchair accessible.
Ticket prices are very reasonable, given the quality of what is offered inside. Adults pay 6 euros, disabled visitors and children under 12 are free. Seniors (65+), student and youth cardholders, and families get half the standard price.
During the summer months (June to September), the Convent of Christ is open every day from 9 a.m. M. At 6:30 p. M., With the last entry half an hour before closing. The complex closes an hour earlier, at 5:30 pm, the rest of the year.
No entry on certain holidays, including New Years Day, March 1, Easter Sunday, May 1, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
Facilities
Metered parking is available just outside the complex, for a small fee. A small cafe serves snacks and drinks, and there is a gift shop that sells souvenirs from your visit. The toilets are free and clean, which is not always the case in some parts of Europe!
How to get there
The Convent of Christ is located on the outskirts of Tomar, accessible via a short but steep uphill walk. If you can’t handle the hike, tuk-tuks and taxis will happily take you to the entrance for a few euros.
Located in the center of the country, Tomar is well connected by road and rail from other parts of Portugal. It takes about 90 minutes to drive the 85 miles from Lisbon, or two hours from Porto. Once you are in Tomar, the convent is clearly signposted and often clearly visible at the top of the hill.
Trains run regularly from Lisbon, through Entroncamento. They take around two hours, making a long day trip possible if you don’t plan to stay in Tomar. It is also possible to take the train from Porto to Tomar, but the longer travel time (at least three hours each way) makes it impractical as a day trip.
Direct buses also leave Lisbon several times a day and take slightly less than trains. Again, the extra distance and required connections from Porto make the trip take much longer going in that direction. Wait up to four hours if you plan to do so.
