⚔️ Convent of Christ, Tomar
Portugal
About This Sacred Site
The Convent of Christ in Tomar was founded in 1160 as the headquarters of the Knights Templar in Portugal. When the Templars were dissolved in 1312, the Portuguese branch was reconstituted as the Order of Christ, which played a central role in the Age of Discovery. Prince Henry the Navigator served as the order's Grand Master, and the Templar cross adorned the sails of Portuguese exploring ships. The complex evolved over centuries, with the remarkable 16-sided Romanesque Charola (round church) at its heart, modeled after the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
Key Facts
- •UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983
- •The Charola is a rare 16-sided Romanesque church inspired by the Holy Sepulchre
- •Prince Henry the Navigator was Grand Master of the Order of Christ
- •The Templar cross on the sails of Portuguese ships came from this order
- •The Chapter Window is a masterpiece of Manueline art, decorated with maritime and nautical symbols
Location
Coordinates: 39.6036, -8.4189
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