Tomar, Portugal History Meet the Templars- Pais
- mcoelho813
- Oct 21
- 11 min read
Updated: Oct 22
Quick Facts
North of Lisbon, close to Fatima
Tomar has The Castle built by D. Guildim Pais, Knights of the Templar
Tomar has the Convent of Christ with hidden messages throughout the building
Less touristy than Obidos or Fatima
Day trip from Lisbon, stop at the Buddha Garden on the way to Tomar
From Tomar, go to Alcobaca, Batalha, and Obidos
We spent 1 hour touring the Convent and Castle, then 1 hour walking around the streets
Home to the oldest Synagogue in Portugal, now a museum
Festa and celebration of Saint Iria
Oct 17-24, 2025 The procession with the children is always held on October 20th.
Festa Tomar Santa Iria
The Santa Iria Fair has been held annually in Tomar since the 17th century. It lasts for ten days, including October 20th, the day dedicated to the city's patron saint. On that day, the image of Santa Iria is carried in procession, attended by children from the local schools, who throw petals into the river, commemorating her martyrdom (suffering death for her religious beliefs).
Legend of Saint Iria October 17-24, 2025
Iria was born into wealth and was given a strong education. As a young woman, she was stickingly beautiful. A young man in town, Britaldo, who was the Governor's nephew, fell in love with Iria. At the convent where she studied, the friar fell in love with her, too. He gave her a poison liquid to drink that made her belly swell, and it appeared that Iria was pregnant. She was expelled from the convent. She knelt by the river to pray and was pushed into the river to die by one of Britaldo's soldiers. He fled but was located by the trail of blood he left behind. Her story of purity and faith is celebrated with an annual fair in Tomar.
Festas dos Tabuleiros
https://www.centerofportugal.com/article/trays-feast-in-tomar
When King D. Dinis received permission from the pope to create the Military Order of Christ, his Queen set up festivities with customs that are still practiced. The Tabuleiros are carried on the heads of young girls wearing white dresses to symbolize purity. This festival takes place every 4 years in July. (Next festival will be in 2027)
Hundreds of people spend hours making paper flowers to decorate the streets. Streets compete for the best-decorated street.
'The Holy Spirit Oxen' is slaughtered and the meat shared with all the residents in memory of a new world. The oxen killing stopped in 1966.
The origins of the festival started with the worship of the Holy Spirit and the devotion to Queen Saint Isabel, who was the wife of King Dinis. She was born in 1271 into the royal house of Aragon, Isabel was the daughter of King Pedro III and his wife Constance of Sicily and the sister of three kings: Afonso II, James II of Aragon, and Frederick III of Sicily. She was extremely faithful and prayed daily. Her marriage to King Dinis of Portugal was arranged in 1281 by her parents when she was only 11 years old; the towns of Óbidos, Abrantes, and Porto de Mós were part of her dowry. In 1288, they were married when Dinis was 26 years old, and Isabel was 17 years old. She was devoted to the poor people of Portugal. Her feast is celebrated on July 8 worldwide.
Festas dos Tabuleiros
Partial TRAYS procession
On Saturday morning, groups from each small town in the area will meet at the town hall. It's an introduction to the bigger Sunday parade.
Procession of the Crowns and Holy Spirit Banners
Homeowners decorate the streets with colorful bed linens hanging out the windows. Locals throw flowers as the parade goes by. The procession is led by the rocketeer, bagpipers, and drummers. Then, the band, the Holy Spirit Banner, 3 Holy Spirit Crowns of the city, the 16 parishes with a banner and a crown, and then different people.
The women carry large, decorated trays with bread and flowers on their heads. They rest the trays on the floor during Mass on Sunday.
The 1st parade consists of locals and a 'Procession of the Boys' or Mordomo. The boy's parade is on the Sunday before the Grand Parade. The Grand Parade consists of an ox, a horse and buggies, bugles, bagpipes, and loud music. There is a huge competition among the locals to identify which street is decorated the best.
On the day of the Grand Parade, fireworks are set off to begin the procession. Men are dressed in white with a red tie, and the women are dressed in white with a red sash. The women wear a large tray or headdress on their heads, which is supposed to be equal to their height. The tray is decorated with paper flowers, bread, wheat, and a crown on top of it.
Tomar, Portugal History Meet the Templars- Pais
Sources are scarce regarding the Templars due to the destruction, which lends the Templars a certain mystique and mystery. Researchers and historians had to interpret clues and look for hidden symbols amongst the buildings and ruins to identify the footsteps of the Templars.
After the 1st conquest of Jerusalem in 1029, Christians wanted to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, but it was dangerous for people to travel throughout the city. People with deep faith wanted to walk on the same soil as Jesus Christ. This is where the Templars come in and help to secure the area for the Christians to make the journey. The warrior monks' self-titled name of the Poor Knights of Christ became the military-religious Order of the Templar Knights. Now, they would protect the Christians seeking time in Jerusalem.
In 1129, the Rules of the Templars were handwritten by S. Bernardo from Clairvaux. It contained strict and secretive ways of conduct, including business ethics, to prevent barbaric acts against mankind. This allowed the Elite to have a sense of protection and gave strength to the nobility with military force. The Templars brought ethics to organized armies, which ensured a sense of respect for the principles of human dignity and respect for the preservation of life. This meant that an army could not massacre a group of people like animals.
To become one of these Knights, a man had to be initiated into this Order. He had to demonstrate individual honor, proving he could accomplish his mission even if he had to die to do it.
Well-known in all Christian countries, their primary task was to protect European travelers and pilgrims who came to visit the sites of the Holy Land.
Tomar, Portugal History Meet the Templars- Pais
History of Tomar and Tomar Castle
More than 8 centuries after its founding, the headquarters of the Knights Templar still stands as testimony to its integral role in Portuguese history, from the founding of Portugal as a nation-state through to the Age of Discoveries.
Tomar, Portugal, Knights of the Templar Castle Book
Why are the Templars famous?
"The Templar Knights in Tomar" by Jose Armando Vizela Cardoso
This book is easy to read with great references to places in Tomar.
The 8 chapters in this educational book give details and explanations to understand why Tomar was built and why it was built in Tomar. Chapter 1 explains the concept of initiation into Knighthood and the definition of being initiated. Chapter 2 describes the responsibility and role of the Templar Knight. Chapter 3 is interesting because it tells the criteria to become a knight. Safety was needed to protect the Christian pilgrims traveling to Palestine from Europe. In 1118, 8 noble knights with Hugh of Pyennes as the leader were given the challenge to create a safe community for pilgrims wishing to travel. The knights were chosen carefully by the social structure accepted in the Middle Ages, approved by the Pope, and financially supported by the King and Nobles. When they arrived in Jerusalem, King Baldwin II decided to give them the ruins of the Temple of King Solomon as a place to stay. It took 6 years to explore and empty the basement of the Castle left by King Solomon. While they worked hard, they did not recruit any others to help create a mystic around the items found in the basement of Solomon's Castle.
Chapter 4 explains the incredible accomplishments of the Templars in 178 years of existence. Chapter 5 explains why Tomar was chosen as the place to build the Castle. Tomar was to become the headquarters of the Portuguese Templar knights because it was located in the center of Portugal, near a river bordering the territory occupied by the Moors.
Chapter 6 describes the end of the Templars and the creation of the Order of Christ, created by the Portuguese king. Chapter 7 explains the Order in Portugal and how the Portuguese king supported the Knights. Chapter 8 describes the historic places in Tomar and some of the hidden secrets left by the knights.
Tomar, Portugal, Knights of the Templar Castle
Sources are scarce about the Templars due to the destruction, which makes the Templars a bit mysterious. Researchers and historians had to interpret clues and look for hidden symbols amongst the buildings and ruins to identify the footsteps of the Templars.
After the 1st conquest of Jerusalem in 1029, Christians wanted to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, but it was dangerous for people to travel throughout the city. People with deep faith wanted to walk on the same soil as Jesus Christ. This is where the Templars come in and help to secure the area for the Christians to make the journey. The warrior monks' self-titled name of the Poor Knights of Christ became the military-religious Order of the Templar Knights. Now, they would protect the Christians seeking time in Jerusalem.
In 1129, the Rules of the Templars were handwritten by S. Bernardo from Clairvaux. It contained strict and secretive ways of conduct, including business ethics, to prevent barbaric acts against mankind. This allowed the Elite to have a sense of protection and gave strength to the nobility with military force. The Templars brought ethics to organized armies, which ensured a sense of respect for the principles of human dignity and respect for the preservation of life. This meant that an army could not massacre a group of people like animals.
To become one of these Knights, a man had to be initiated into this Order. He had to demonstrate individual honor, proving he could accomplish his mission even if he had to die to do it.
Shopping in the Gift Shop at the Castle
Tomar, Portugal History Meet the Templars- Pais
Should you visit Tomar?
Tomar is packed with history and beauty, with a twist: it is home to hidden symbols, secret passages, ancient rites, and a fine line between the sacred and pagan. If your group wants to learn about knights and castles, then you should visit Tomar.
Tomar is home to the oldest
Synagogue in Portugal (intact and in good condition). The Synagogue is extremely small and in a back alley, but it is worth the visit. The synagogue was built in the first half of the 15th century, but was closed when King Manuel I ordered that all Jews in Portugal must either convert to Catholicism or leave Portugal. The small structure is now a museum. Physical address of the museum is Rua Dr. Joaquim Jacinto 73, Tomar, Portugal
Walking the small cobblestone streets of Tomar, winding around the river, narrow streets, and bridge, feels like you are traveling through time. Every turn contains a historic item, and every street hosts a significant window into the past. The tile buildings with iron railings surrounding the verandas are charming and glamorous.
Most visited attraction
Castle of Tomar
The Castle can be seen from a far distance.
The town of Tomar was created inside the walls of the Convento de Cristo, constructed under the orders of D. Gualdim de Pais, the 4th Grand Master of the Knights Templar in Portugal in 1160. Tomar was the last Templar town to be commissioned for construction.
The castle is divided into 3 parts. The 1st section is Almedina, which is the beginning of the village, the 2nd is the Arms Square, and the 3rd is the Citadel with a military zone with a living area.
The castle was rebuilt by the Knights Templar in 1171. The castle was abandoned for many years after the Knights were abolished. It is now open to the public and hosts events for the Portuguese Republic (government). There are hidden symbols and carvings all around the castle. Even the cross has a hidden meaning. The Templar cross has the same length branches, is solid red, and has a unique shape. During the reign of Pope Honorius 11, the Knights were granted the right to wear white to represent innocence. During the reign of Eugene 111, the Templars were authorized to add a red cross to their clothing. The cross corresponds with the sacrifice of Christ on the cross.
The cross symbolizes military power. It is often carried on battlefields and in military parades. The knights could not leave a battle if the flag was still flying. This ensured the knights gained a reputation for honor, glory, strong will, and courage.
Since the Knights Templar considered themselves the defenders of Christianity and protectors of the Holy Land, the order was supported by the Catholic Church and the Pope. The number of Knights Templar grew rapidly, along with their power and reputation throughout Europe.
Often, the Templar's cross is accompanied by a crown. The crown could be considered a heavenly reward for those who fought to protect our world, land, and religion.
Some people wonder what else the Templars were protecting. Some ponder, did the Templars protect Jesus? Was Jesus alive? Why is there so much secrecy surrounding the Templars?
Convent of Christ
In 1983, UNESCO declared the Templar Castle and Convent of the Knights of Christ of Tomar a "World Heritage monument." This large, monumental complex, including the Convent and the Castle, makes up this UNESCO view.
In 1314, the Order of the Templars was abolished. King Dom Dinis, the Leader of Portugal, allowed the Knights to remain for years. He created a new order, the Militia of the Knights of Christ. With the people, possessions, and privileges that, together with Prince Henry the Navigator, would support the Portuguese nation in the maritime discoveries of the 15th and 16th centuries. Tomar Castle became a Convent and the headquarters of the Order and Henry the Navigator.
Other Attractions
Railway Museum
Synagogue of Tomar
Church of Santa Maria
Republic Square
Match museum
Township site
Festa Tomar Santa Iria, October 20th Annual
The Santa Iria Fair has been held annually in Tomar since the 17th century. It lasts for ten days, including October 20th, the day dedicated to the city's patron saint. On that day, the image of Santa Iria is carried in procession, attended by children from the local schools, who throw petals into the river, commemorating her martyrdom (suffering death for her religious beliefs).
Legend of Saint Iria October 17-24, 2025
Iria was born into wealth and was given a strong education. As a young woman, she was strikingly beautiful. A young man in town, Britaldo, who was the Governor's nephew, fell in love with Iria. At the convent where she studied, the friar fell in love with her, too. He gave her a poison liquid to drink that made her belly swell, and it appeared that Iria was pregnant, but she was not pregnant. She was expelled from the convent. She knelt by the river to pray and was pushed into the river to die by one of Britaldo's soldiers. He fled but was located by the trail of blood he left behind. Her story of purity and faith is celebrated with an annual fair in Tomar.
Festas dos Tabuleiros
When King D. Dinis received permission from the pope to create the Military Order of Christ, his Queen set up festivities with customs that are still practiced. The Tabuleiros are carried on the heads of young girls wearing white dresses to symbolize purity. This festival takes place every 4 years in July. (Next festival will be in 2027)
Hundreds of people spend hours making paper flowers to decorate the streets. Streets compete for the best-decorated street.
BUTLER procession
'The Holy Spirit Oxen' is slaughtered and the meat shared with all the residents in memory of a new world. The oxen killing stopped in 1966.
Partial TRAYS procession
On Saturday morning, groups from each small town in the area to meet at the town hall. It's an introduction to the bigger Sunday parade.
Procession of the Crowns and Holy Spirit Banners
Homeowners decorate the streets with colorful bed linens hanging out the windows. Locals throw flowers as the parade goes by. The procession is led by the rocketeer, bagpipers, and drummers. Then, the band, the Holy Spirit Banner, 3 Holy Spirit Crowns of the city, the 16 parishes with a banner and a crown, and then different people.
The women carry large, decorated trays with bread and flowers on their heads. They rest the trays on the floor during Mass on Sunday.
Things to do in Tomar
Convent of Christ
UNESCO World Site
found back in 1160
Pombal Castle
Portugal is..
Sun and sea
Nature and Beauty
Heritage and History
Harvest and tradition
Folklore and Lifestyle
Genealogy and Wisdom
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