Established by the Knights Templar in the 12th century, Tomar is a historically rich city on the Nabão River. In the 15th century, it served as a hub for Portuguese overseas expansion under the command of Henry the Navigator. During the Industrial Revolution, Tomar became an important centre for the manufacture of paper, textiles and glass.
Things to do in Tomar
Dominating Tomar’s cityscape is the Convento de Cristo, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed collection of buildings that date from the 12th to 16th centuries. It was founded by the Templar Knights in 1118 and exhibits impressive examples of Romanesque, Manueline and Renaissance architectural styles. Don’t miss the Round Church’s Gothic paintings and the two-storey Cloister of John III.
Overlooking Tomar’s main square is the Church of São João Baptista, which houses several paintings by one of Portugal’s most celebrated Renaissance artists, Gregorio Lopes. Also of note is the 13th-century Church of Santa Maria do Olival, with its facade featuring a beautiful rose window. Designated as a National Monument, it was once used as a burial ground for the Knights Templar.
One of Tomar’s quirkier attractions is the Museu dos Fosforos, which boasts one of the largest collections of matchboxes in Europe. It is housed within the courtyard of the Convento de São Francisco and reflects the lifelong obsession of collector, Aquiles da Mota Lima. With the oldest matchboxes dating from the late 19th century, the museum offers a unique perspective of cultural trends.
Getting around Tomar
Tomar is around a one-hour drive from Coimbra and 1.5 hours from Lisbon and Humberto Delgado Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Regular trains connect to the Tomar railway station and buses travel throughout the city. The centre of Tomar is compact enough to explore on foot.