Knights Templar private day tour from Lisbon

The capital of Portuguese Gothic architecture, Santarem was founded by the Romans in the first century B.C., reaching its height of prosperity during the domain of the Moors. It was conquered by the first king of Portugal, Afonso I in 1147 and became the regional capital of the province of Ribatejo. We will visit the Church of Graça (13th century Gothic) where we can find the tomb of the great Portuguese explorer Pedro Alvares Cabral, the discoverer of Brazil.

The Castle of Almourol is one of the best examples of 12th-century military Templar architecture. It is strategically located on an island in the center of the Tagus River. This fortress was considered invincible and was part of a line of defense composed of 5 castles that protected Coimbra, the capital of Portugal, at the time. We will visit the Castle of Almorol, by crossing the river on a very pleasant boat ride. From the walls of the castle, we will enjoy the wonderful view of the winding course of the river around the valleys of “Ribatejo.”

The Order of the Knights Templar, or Templars, entered in Portugal in the 12th century, even before the founding of the kingdom. This Order gained fame in Portugal when the Knight Gualdim Pais was instructed by the founder of the Templars in Jerusalem, Hugo of Payens to establish the first Templar headquarters in Europe. Thus, the city of Tomar was born as a replica of the Holy City of Jerusalem and on its dominant hill, the Convent of Christ is built overlooking the city. Walking tour through the streets of Tomar.

Knights Templar Headquarters:
With the extinction of the Knights Templar in 1307, all its wealth and assets became part of the new Order of Christ. We will visit the headquarters of the Templars in Europe, the Convent of Christ, a World Heritage Site, a place of inspiration for legends and stories written in books and adapted for the cinema.